New report: ‘real power and resources’ in the hands of local people key to Levelling Up.
Community philanthropy can multiply value of dormant assets and build resilience, says new report by UK Community Foundations.
A new report by UK Community Foundations explains how the expansion of the Dormant Assets Scheme could be the catalyst for growing community philanthropy in the UK.
The report looks at the work of the UK’s 47 community foundations through the lens of the Levelling Up agenda. It explains how community philanthropy is already playing an important role in tackling regional inequality and looks at some of the ways that it can be grown to help build the resilience of communities.
The main conclusions of the report are:
Michelle Cooper, chief executive at County Durham Community Foundation, said: “We have been fighting poverty and enriching lives for 27 years. We are trusted by our supporters, and the groups we fund, and together we know we have a hugely positive impact on our communities.
“We would very much hope that community foundations will be recognised as a key, established mechanism for turning dormant assets into positive change within our communities, where it is most needed.”
Rosemary Macdonald BEM, CEO, UK Community Foundations, said: “We are living in turbulent times. We need to look at how we can build the resilience and capacity of our communities. This means putting real power and resources in the hands of local people. The Dormant Assets Scheme presents us with a once in a generation opportunity to do that by growing community philanthropy.
“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Our members been working with local people for decades to create opportunities and support communities. We should be using the local knowledge, insights, and expertise that is already there.”
