‘Outsourcing Philanthropy: Breaking New Grounds’ Forum
23 November 2006

Presented at University of Chicago
Graduate School of Business (London Campus)

For the first time in history, on both sides of the Atlantic, the combination of increasing wealth and an ageing population will inevitably lead to more gifts and bequests. This is reflective of the 30 top UK philanthropists, as suggested by the Sunday Times Giving Index, who have raised their donations from £333m in 2005 to £453m this year. Conversely, the overall level of charitable giving in the UK is in decline and currently set around 0.84% of gross domestic product, compared to 1.85% in the US. Such disequilibrium is further accentuated, both in monetary and visionary terms, by Warren Buffett's recent decision to add his $37bn to the $35bn assets already in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Nevertheless, the “second golden age of philanthropy” is materialising a new generation of UK philanthropists whose altruistic calls for action are based on the principles of strategic and highly engaging forms of philanthropy. They certainly have the means and the will to work as hard at giving away their money as they do at making it. However, the question remains whether they have the opportunity to break new grounds in a similar manner that Mr. Buffett has adopted by outsourcing the responsibility of his philanthropic legacy to the Gates Foundation.

The objective of the Forum is to debate whether ‘Outsourcing Philanthropy’ will change the way people think of giving in the UK – questioning whether such a model is already in practice, albeit on a smaller scale. If this may be the case, will the “outsourcing” concept encourage funders to compete with each other for donations of new philanthropic capital? The Forum will explore whether such trend exemplifies evolutionary or revolutionary steps to securing ones own philanthropic aspirations and legacy. Ultimately, questioning what may be the key motivation behind ones decision to give to an existing foundation, as opposed to setting up their own.

It may be said that this would be extraordinarily healthy for philanthropy – whereby foundations would compete with each other over who has the most effective strategy and use of resources for addressing some of the greatest challenges in our societies. If so there are interesting times ahead.

Speakers

Paul Bernstein
Managing Director – Absolute Return for Kids ( ARK )

Matthew Bowcock
Founder of the Hazelhurst Trust, a family charitable foundation; Trustee – Community Foundation Network and Surrey Community Foundation

David Gold
CEO – ProspectUs; Chair – A Glimmer of Hope; Trustee – FutureBuilders; StreetShine ; Greenhouse Schools and VRH; Chair of the Advisory Board – Philanthropy UK

Fiona Mactaggart, MP
Former Home Office – Third Sector Minister; now a member of the Education and Skills Select Committee; Trustee – Ian Mactaggart Trust and the Mactaggart Third Fund

For more information about the event please contact Miran Norderland (Fellowship Manager) at miran.norderland@beaconfellowship.org.uk