Report published into Merseyside’s charitable giving

The Community Foundation for Merseyside has this week published a report into philanthropic giving on Merseyside.

The publication, entitled ‘Building on Merseyside’s Philanthropic Past: The Views of Those Who Advise the Rich‘ surveyed local professional advisors to understand how they currently engage with clients with regards to their charitable giving.

National trends and research suggest that philanthropic giving in on the increase. Philanthropy, which is described as being the effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, is becoming increasingly prominent on the agenda of wealthy individuals in the UK.

While undertaking the research, there were a number of key findings which I came across. There was a mixed opinion regarding the effect that the current economic climate will have on philanthropic giving, although many professional advisors are positive that levels of charitable giving will remain constant.

The research also identified that professional advisors don’t see their client’s wealth as a primary factor in philanthropy, and believe that those with all levels of wealth are able to give to charitable causes in a strategic manner.

With this in mind however, it was also noted that professional advisors felt that their clients were unaware of the difference between general charitable giving and that of philanthropic giving.

In the research report, Dr Salvatore LaSpada, Chief Executive of the Institute for Philanthropy comments on the impact of the current economic climate on philanthropic giving.

We are aiming for this report to be the beginning of new work with philanthropists of all kinds in Merseyside and their professional advisors, to improve the well-being of Merseyside.

As strategic philanthropy becomes more mainstream and becomes ingrained in our culture as it is in America, we are hoping to work with organisations and individuals to facilitate their philanthropic giving to benefit local causes and tackle real social issues at a grassroots level.

If you would like to view a copy of the report go to www.cfmerseyside.org.uk and it can be accessed from the publications section of the website. Click here to view.