An important day for place-based philanthropy as UK Government publishes new plan

UK Government publishes new plan for place-based philanthropy

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Our Place to Give: a plan for growing place-based philanthropy recognises the importance of place‑based philanthropy as a way of connecting giving with local priorities, particularly in places that have historically received lower levels of investment:

‘Philanthropy is part of the glue that binds communities together. Whether it is the donation of wealth, time, or talent, giving back creates a sense of pride and belonging.’

Why place matters

Community foundations have been embedded in places around the UK for the past 50 years.  They understand that communities are complex, and what works in one postcode may not work in another.

The plan acknowledges that place‑based approaches draw on local knowledge, long‑term relationships and trust.  It highlights the role of locally rooted organisations in helping philanthropic capital connect with what communities actually need:

‘According to the sector, a common challenge philanthropists face when giving outside of London is knowing how to use their money most effectively.  PBG [place-based giving] initiatives present a helpful solution to this challenge.  They provide a way for philanthropists to easily and effectively invest in local priorities.’

Community foundations are highlighted as part of this wider local infrastructure, alongside local government, anchor institutions and other organisations rooted in place.

From recognition to action

The plan focuses on learning, shared practice and partnership working, rather than mandating delivery structures or approaches.  This reflects community foundation practice on a daily basis, where local partnerships are based on learning and explorative solutions.

The launch of the plan is a significant opportunity to grow interest in local giving and connect community philanthropy with the work already happening across public services, civil society and other sectors.

One of the actions stated in the roadmap involves launching a new toolkit for MPs to support philanthropy and convening activities in their local areas, creating a bigger platform for place-based philanthropic achievements.

Philanthropy alongside public funding

The roadmap is clear that philanthropy is complementary to public funding, not a replacement for it.  It explicitly recognises the principle of additionality and the independence of philanthropic capital.

This is about building the conditions together in a complimentary way for sustainable local giving.  By connecting philanthropy with place, there is a huge potential for Government and philanthropists alike to support longer-term approaches that lead to thriving communities for generations to come.

‘For too long philanthropy and government have been siloed.  A partnership model that adequately recognises the potential of philanthropy to drive positive social impact across the breadth of the UK, is essential to address some of our biggest challenges.’

UKCF’s perspective

UK Community Foundations represents community foundations across the UK, and we are a longstanding advocate of place-based philanthropy.

Community foundations are deeply rooted in place, connecting people who want to give with the communities and causes they care about.  They build long‑term resources, work in partnerships locally, provide trusted philanthropic advice and share learning across their networks.

Today is a meaningful step in recognising the potential of place‑based philanthropy.  The opportunity now is to ensure that implementation reflects local realities and strengthens the ecosystems that already support community giving.  Across the UK, community foundations support community‑led action, working with cross-party MPs, local authorities, businesses and philanthropists to help strengthen local areas.

Commenting on the plan, Emma de Closset, Chief Executive of UK Community Foundations, said:

“'Our Place to Give’ sets out a welcome ambition to help philanthropists support the places that shaped them, working with trusted local partners who know what works.  By recognising the role of community foundations in catalysing place‑based giving, the plan strengthens the connections between donors, communities and the local organisations enabling change on the ground.”

What the plan does

The plan provides a strong national signal that place‑based philanthropy should be nurtured, encouraged and supported over time.  It creates a framework for the UK Government to champion this approach by learning, coordinating and working differently.

For communities, this creates space to shape future action in ways that reflect local priorities rather than national templates.

The plan also sets out a plan to establish a Community of Practice, supported by £1 million of funding over three years, that ‘existing PBG [place-based giving] initiatives will be invited to join.’

What the plan does not do

While the plan mentions the establishment of its new Community of Practice, there are no immediate changes to local funding, governance or delivery arrangements as a result of the publication.  Instead, it highlights existing funding initiatives such as the Pride in Place Programme and the Better Futures Fund.

Delivery of the Government's plan is expected to be staged over time, with early focus on coordination and learning, rather than immediate nationwide rollout or funding commitments.

It is also clear that philanthropy is not a replacement for public funding.  Philanthropic giving is positioned as additional and independent, not as a substitute for statutory investment.

What this means for communities

The long‑term value of the plan will depend on how its intent is translated into action.

The opportunity for communities lies in influencing how this plays out locally and ensuring future action reflects lived experience and local context.

Community foundations will help to build the momentum of 'Our place to give', working as local convenors to bring together communities and cross-sector partners around shared priorities.

Further information

Our place to give is available on the UK Government website.