Think Philanthropy

Driving Innovation in Strategic Philanthropy

Philanthropy must constantly evolve in order to meet the ever-changing challenges that the world presents.  It must build on best practice and the latest thinking for solving social problems. The Institute is working to drive this innovation and evolution, through Think Philanthropy.

Think Philanthropy is an ongoing series of projects, papers, talks and days of learning, based upon original research, which discusses the most pressing issues in the field and the latest thinking and trends for strategic philanthropy.

Convening Leaders in Philanthropy

In collaboration with experts such as Paul Collier (Professor of Economics Oxford University), Professor David Swensen (CIO Yale University), Dr Sigrid Rausing (Director Sigrid Rausing Trust), Charly Kleissner (KL Felicitas Foundation), Sir Ian and Garreth Wood (Wood Family Trust), we have explored, among other issues, the complexities of international philanthropy, effective charitable asset management, funding in areas of high risk, impact investing and intergenerational philanthropy.

Our dedicated in-house research team has been commissioned to produce a range of research reports for a number of eminent organisations and foundations.

Recent Highlights from Our Think Philanthropy Series

Practical Advice for Impact Investors (2011) presents summaries of presentations given to an audience of philanthropists and investors by active impact investors and by experts from a range of organisations working in the field: with contributions from TBLI Group, KL Felicitas Foundation, Ariya Capital, Triodos Bank, Bridges Ventures and Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts. Click here to download: Impact

Philanthropy and Social Media (2011), produced with the generous support of the Indigo Trust, examines the ways in which not-for-profit organisations have successfully used social media. Drawing upon in-depth case studies with funders who have invested in this area, the paper offers advice to other investors wishing to follow their lead. Featuring the Knight Foundation, The Barr Foundation, Localgiving.com, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Omidyar Network and the Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts.  Click here to download: Social Media

The State of UK Charity Boards (2011) draws on data collected from a survey of over 100 charity and board leaders in the UK and provides a unique insight into current practices. Click here to download: Charity Boards

The Power of Now (2010) seeks to broaden our wider understanding of spending out in the UK by examining trusts and foundations that are currently in the process of depleting their endowment and examining those factors leading to their decision to terminate. Featuring The Tubney Charitable Trust, The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, The Four Acre Trust and The Atlantic Philanthropies.  Click here to download: Spend-Down

Tomorrow's Donors (2010) seeks to deepen our current understandings of family philanthropy; highlighting the challenges and opportunities that this form of giving can bring, and shedding new light on what can be learnt from those involved in developing the next generation of family philanthropists, or, as we call them in this paper, "tomorrow's donors." Featuring: the Hummingbird Trust, van Beuren Charitable Foundation, Makhzoumi Foundation, Wood Family Trust, T&J Meyer Family Foundation, the Robert and Jane Toll Foundation.  Click here to download: Tomorrow's Donors