Roadmap aims to accelerate philanthropy outside UK capital

The UK government has published a roadmap aimed at boosting place-based philanthropy — directing charitable giving to specific communities, particularly outside London and the surrounding area.

Our Place to Give, launched on 13 April by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), aims to connect philanthropic donors with local organisations and ensure that investment reaches disadvantaged communities.

DCMS says despite £14 billion being donated to charity across the UK in 2025, London currently receives more than a third of all funding from the largest philanthropic foundations.

The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) says in a blog post:

“The Chartered Institute warmly welcomes the roadmap and sees it as a crucial next step to creating a supportive infrastructure that harnesses the true value of philanthropy.”

The CIOF blog adds that many of its members’ recommendations and ideas were taken forward, including “the importance of government visibly and vocally championing philanthropy, developing networks to educate philanthropists, and integrating philanthropy into wealth advice”.

The CIOF says that key actions included in Our Place to Give include:

• Delivering a community of practice for place-based giving initiatives
• The creation of a select group of “philanthropy ambassadors”, who will advise government, including on the topic of match-funding
• Strengthening the provision of philanthropic advice in the financial services sector

The DCMS announcement cites a recent report by Barclays, which shows that 81% of high-net-worth individuals feel it is important that financial advisers raise philanthropy proactively, but only a third have experienced their advisers doing so.

DCMS has committed £1m of funding over the next three years to support the delivery of the plan.

At the launch, Stephanie Peacock, the Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth, said:

“Today’s announcement will help philanthropists across the country support local causes they are passionate about. By better connecting generous individuals with local organisations at the heart of their communities, we can unlock a new wave of giving that reaches every corner of the country.”

Carol Mack OBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF), commented:

“This roadmap sends a clear signal that government understands it has a key role to play in helping place-based generosity go further, in every corner of the country. Philanthropic foundations already make a real difference in local communities, but deep geographic inequalities persist. By working closely with philanthropists — both institutions and individuals — government can benefit communities across England.”