Government to unlock philanthropic investment into England's most disadvantaged communities

Government today launches plan to make it easier for the wealthiest in society to give back to communities that need help most

  • This new plan will include new opportunities for philanthropists to partner with government in targeting their giving
  • Plan will connect philanthropists with existing local initiatives, helping spread donations across the country

Billions of pounds will become more accessible to England’s most disadvantaged communities as the government sets out a new roadmap to deal with some of the most pressing and challenging societal issues across this country.

Despite £14 billion being donated to charity across the UK in 2025, the benefits have not been shared equally. London currently receives more than a third of all funding from the largest philanthropic foundations and four times the value of Gift Aid donations compared to the UK average.

The government’s new roadmap, Our Place to Give, aims to change that. By connecting philanthropic donors with local organisations outside of London, the plan aims to ensure that investment reaches the communities and people that need it most.  

Backed by £1 million of government funding, the place-based plan will offer opportunities for match-funding, better involve philanthropists in funding programmes, and ensure their voices are brought in and heard as programmes are devised and implemented. 

Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth Minister Stephanie Peacock 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."

Steve Rigby, Chair of The Rigby Foundation and CEO, Rigby Group said:

"The strong backing this report has received across the sector reflects the insight and experience brought together in its development. The UK has some outstanding philanthropists, and Our Place to Give provides a roadmap for unlocking even greater investment into communities across the country. 

"Through my family’s charitable work in the West Midlands and my participation in the Philanthropy Reference Group, I’ve seen first-hand how connecting generous donors with local people and projects can drive meaningful, lasting change."

By 2050, up to £7 trillion is expected to be passed down to the next generation. The government’s new roadmap sets out a plan to unlock new pathways for generous donations to reach communities most in need.

The roadmap will strengthen links between donors and places, build better partnerships and unlock further investment. Key actions include: 

  • £1 million of funding over three years to help organisations across England share expertise, attract investment and create sustainable economic growth 
  • A network of regional philanthropic ambassadors will be appointed to broker stronger links between philanthropists, communities and government
  • Collaboration between  government and the  financial services sector to better provide philanthropic advice 

The government will promote a more open culture of giving, celebrating the profound impact of local philanthropy and encouraging the next generation of philanthropists to invest back into the communities that shaped them. To support this, a new toolkit is being launched for MPs alongside the roadmap, equipping local representatives to champion philanthropy, convene local giving opportunities and foster a positive environment for generosity in the places they know best.

This builds on the government’s wider ambitions for community renewal. The £5.8 billion Pride in Place programme is already empowering local people to direct funding towards what matters most in their areas. By aligning philanthropic investment with these place-based priorities, the government aims to ensure that the generosity of high-net-worth individuals complements and amplifies existing public investment, driving lasting change in the communities that need it most.

Our Place to Give: a roadmap to grow place-based philanthropy is available at gov.uk.

From: Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Stephanie Peacock MP

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