The North West Philanthropy Network held a day long Summit on 20th June to bring together funders, philanthropists, advisers and others working in the philanthropy ecosystem to discuss some of the key issues around philanthropic giving and to share their experiences and ideas with peers.
The day featured a keynote from Charity Commission CEO, David Holdsworth. Attendees then participated in a choice of break out sessions before reconvening for a panel discussion and close. Some of the key take aways and discussion points are summarised below. If you’d like to find about more or would like to be added to the Network mailing list you can email [email protected].
Keynote
David Holdsworth opened the summit with by reflecting on the heritage, challenges and future of philanthropy in the North West.
He began with a personal perspective, noting how philanthropy had shaped Liverpool’s regeneration through financial investment, sparking cultural renewal, education, and opportunity. He reminded the audience that philanthropy has deep roots in the region, from nineteenth-century benefactors like the Rathbones and John Owens, to modern community-led generosity, such as the campaign to save Zoe’s Place Children’s Hospice in Liverpool.
He outlined three core themes:
- Heritage of Giving – The North West’s philanthropic legacy continues to inspire, but must also acknowledge the complex histories behind some fortunes. He highlighted examples of philanthropy as both a force for justice and renewal.
- Today’s Challenges – Charities face rising costs, growing demand, and squeezed public funding. Philanthropy, he argued, is vital in addressing gaps, especially outside London and the South East, where need is greatest but high-net-worth giving is least concentrated.
- The Potential of Philanthropy – Philanthropists can take risks, seed innovation, and support core costs in ways other funders cannot. He cited inspiring recent examples, such as Rory and Elizabeth Brooks’ £2m gift to Manchester University’s Global Development Institute, and the Steve Morgan Foundation’s renewed strategy and long-term partnerships.
He also outlined the Charity Commission’s role in strengthening the environment for philanthropy: ensuring transparency and trust, supporting strong governance, revitalising dormant trusts, and convening funders to share learning.
David closed with the call to action that philanthropy can act as the spark that reignites communities. By embracing collaboration and bold generosity, funders can unleash potential and make philanthropy not the exception, but the norm.
Break Out Session – Participatory Grant-Making
The panel made up of Pete Yarwood (The Charity Service), Madeleine Weinberg-Daly (The Booth Centre) and Claire (a representative of the Participatory Grant Committee) shared lessons from the launch of a new Participatory Grantmaking Programme.
Funded by The Charity Service and run in partnership with The Booth Centre, the programme shifts decision-making power directly to those with lived experience of homelessness and accessing homelessness services, who form the Grant Committee. Applications are encouraged from registered charities working to support those experiencing homelessness in Greater Manchester. Pete Yarwood then follows a due diligence process to confirm the eligibility of applicants and to check their financial and governances structures are in place. The committee then reviews the applications and makes the decision as to how funding should be allocated. You can find out more about the programme here.
The panel shared their experiences including a discussion from Pete about the process for establishing the fund including assessing and mitigating the risks from a funding perspective and overcoming some initial reservations from trustees. The importance of choosing the right partner with the expertise in co-creation and the training process for grant committee members were also discussed. It was also noted that structuring the programme so that the funding focus is clearly defined and that due diligence takes place up front has given the panel members confidence in their discussions and decisions.
To finish Claire spoke very movingly about her experience on the committee and how it had increased her skills and confidence.
Breakout Summary: The Power of Collaborative Giving
Facilitated by Karen Webster (The King’s Trust) with contributions from Cameron Bessant (The Big Give) and Kawika Solium (in his capacity of Chair of The Funding Network), this session explored the opportunity, impact, and psychology of collaborative philanthropy through three distinct models:
- Match-funding (The Big Give) – Bringing together donors, funders, and charities, donations are matched pound-for-pound to significantly amplify impact.
- Live Crowdfunding (The Funding Network) – Individuals unite in participatory events, pooling resources and decision-making while building community around social change.
- Collective Giving Groups (The King’s Trust) – Networks such as Women Supporting Women and the Enterprise Fellowship create donor communities that combine pooled funds with mentoring and advocacy.
The group discussed why giving together is more powerful than giving alone. Pooling donations enables funders to support more ambitious projects, diversify perspectives, and strengthen sustainability for charities. Collaboration also creates a collective voice that can push for systemic change.
Psychological dynamics play a key role: donors in groups feel a stronger sense of purpose and belonging, are motivated by the example of others, and experience enhanced “feel-good” effects when celebrating impact collectively. Accountability within a group also increases follow-through and long-term commitment.
While pros and cons were acknowledged, participants concluded that collaborative giving offers a democratic, strategic, and resilient model of philanthropy — one that is steadily reshaping how funders engage with complex social issues.
Breakout Summary: Giving More Than Money
Hosted by Lauren Gupta (The Helvellyn Foundation) this interactive workshop invited participants to explore the many ways funders can support organisations beyond financial grants.
The group identified a wide spectrum of non-financial contributions — from practical help such as volunteering, providing office space, or delivering training, to less tangible but equally powerful actions like sharing influence, practising flexibility, and adopting trust-based approaches.
Participants noted that this approach not only benefits recipient organisations but also creates value for funders themselves — helping them achieve their own charitable aims, grow networks, enhance reputation, and gain personal fulfilment.
However, the discussion also highlighted important challenges and pitfalls: risks of dependency, mission creep, and issues of fairness. The consensus was clear — non-financial support must be mutually agreed, well-timed, and carefully matched to each organisation’s needs.
The workshop closed with a strong sense of takeaway value for everyone: whether funders looking to diversify their support, advisors guiding clients, or impact organisations considering how to ask for (or offer) non-financial contributions.
Breakout Summary: From Local Work to a System Shift
This session featured Dr Jadwiga Leigh (New Beginnings) and Kawika Solidum (Centre for Social Justice), exploring how grassroots initiatives can spark wider system change.
Dr Leigh shared her experience as the founder of New Beginnings, a Stockport-based organisation dedicated to breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma by helping parents understand how their histories shape their parenting.
The discussion highlighted how New Beginnings’ reflective, relationship-based model creates deep, lasting change for families. Kawika Solidum described how CSJ had supported the organisation, connecting it with new funders and backing its ambitions to expand into more local authorities.
A lively debate followed on the challenges of scaling without losing authenticity — how to share lessons from local practice in ways that influence funding and policy, while preserving the unique character and trust-based approach that make grassroots organisations so effective.
Panel Discussion: Building Better Relationships
Chaired by Rhodri Davies (Why Philanthropy Matters), the panel brought together Chris Mills (Institute of Voluntary Action Research), Nick Gardner (Environmental Funders Network), Mark Davies (individual donor) and Adam Farricker (Empower Youth Zones) to explore how funders and organisations can strengthen their relationships.
A recurring theme was the importance of trust, transparency, and open communication. Nick Gardner highlighted research from EFN’s report Increasing the Effectiveness of Environmental Funder–Fundraiser Relationships, which offers practical steps to improve collaboration between funders and those they support. Chris Mills shared the principle of open and trusting grant-making and the work that IVAR has done in this area.
Mark Davies shared his experiences as a donor, emphasising the value of working closely with charities to co-develop projects. Adam Farricker reflected on the Empower Youth Zones model, underscoring how a committed donor base has been crucial to sustaining and scaling their work with young people.
The session reinforced a central message of the summit: strong, respectful relationships are the foundation of effective philanthropy.
Close
Lauren Gupta (The Helvellyn Foundation) closed the Summit with a personal reflection on her journey as a philanthropist and an appeal to the power of philanthropy. She reflected on the concerns facing the world at the moment which can at times feel overwhelming but noted that this is an opportunity for those of who can give to do so and to make a real difference.
Lauren’s call to action was for us to do whatever we can to get as much capital moving as possible, in the most helpful way possible (not tied up in unnecessary bureaucracy or reporting, and supported by non financial means where useful). She left us with the following questions:-
- If you’re a Funder, how can you fund more or better?
- If you’re a wealth holder is your wealth a positive force?
- If you’re an advisor to wealthy clients, does your advice encourage positive impact?
- And even if you work in the impact sector, is there space for you to encourage more and better giving?
And her final question was a powerful one: If not us, who? If not now, when?
