Impact UK: A guide to start your giving
As part of Impact UK Alex Hayes, NPC’s Director of Philanthropy shares his guide to starting to give.
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Why philanthropy?
Philanthropy is a really meaningful way to make a difference and contribute to the impact economy, just take the stories in this report as an example. Anyone can get involved, whether through donations, volunteering, impact investing or sharing their expertise. Individuals, families, and organisations often find real personal satisfaction in this space, and the first step is to simply get started.
Focus on what matters to you
Start by thinking about the issues you care most about; this can be two or three areas that feel personally relevant or important. What change would you like to see? Is it improving education, or advocating for criminal justice reform, or supporting a local effort in your community? Narrowing your focus makes it easier to learn and test solutions, and more rewarding to see the impact you’re creating.
Talk to people
Once you’ve identified your priorities, start conversations. There are loads of brilliant professionals in the philanthropy space. Pick their brains, ask for their advice, and do your research. Speak to family, friends, and trusted advisers or consider reaching out to the individuals highlighted throughout this report. Find out which organisations they know and respect. Understanding the ecosystem will help you decide where you can make the biggest difference.
Once you’ve identified your priorities, start conversations. There are loads of brilliant professionals in the philanthropy space. Pick their brains, ask for their advice, and do your research.
Creating immediate relief or planning for long-term impact
Think strategically about the kind of change you want to create. Do you want to meet immediate needs, such as supporting food banks, or address long-term systemic issues, such as reducing reliance on food banks altogether? Both approaches matter and are needed, but talking through your preference helps. It’s important to note that longer term, unrestricted support is critical. It often gives organisations the flexibility to deliver effectively and intentionally.
Explore different routes
You don’t have to start with big charities. Smaller organisations often do incredible work and play a vital role in communities. We hope this report shows that impact can be created in many ways, including through investments, spending, organisational support, influence over companies, and backing individual leaders, particularly those from underrepresented communities. It can help to see it as a portfolio approach, right across the impact economy.
Remember you are part of a team
When you engage in philanthropy, whether through funding, time, or expertise, you bring influence. That influence, if not used thoughtfully, can unintentionally distort solutions. To combat this, it’s critical to recognise that funding does not happen in isolation. When you step into this space, you join a wider community of individuals and organisations affected by your decisions. Listen to evidence, spend time in the communities you are engaging with, respect the expertise of those active on the ground, and build upon the foundations others have laid.
Enjoy the journey
Many people say the greatest reward is meeting passionate, resourceful people and seeing the change they help create. Start small, learn as you go, and celebrate the changes you are seeing. You’re already making a difference
Read the full Impact UK report
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