The UK needs a “collective attitude shift” towards philanthropy in order to create a positive giving environment, the culture secretary has said.
Lucy Frazer was speaking today at the launch of a report into major giving, which was published by the think tank Onward.
The report, called Giving Back Better, finds that giving by the richest people in the UK is mostly concentrated among a small proportion of philanthropists and there is “vast untapped potential among those that have the most to give”.
It recommends that the government should develop a national philanthropy strategy and automate Gift Aid to help address the issue.
Frazer told attendees at the event that the government needed to consider how it can do more to work with those “who can and want to do more”.
She said this was “a core priority” for her and something she had been looking at since she was appointed secretary of state.
The government was working on some of the recommendations including streamlining Gift Aid and working with the Financial Conduct Authority to look at the possibility of greater training around philanthropy for financial advisers.
But she said it was also right to recognise that “as a nation we are sometimes squeamish about talking about earning and giving” and are sometimes reluctant to recognise wealth as a positive force in society.
“And often, worse, we denigrate those who succeed and those who give,” said Frazer.
“A big part of the equation is unashamedly championing philanthropy. And, for that, I believe we need a collective attitude-shift. A hopeful message.”
She said philanthropists and would-be philanthropists need to know that their giving is not only recognised but also celebrated.
“Onward’s illuminating report really highlights the fact that we have a tendency to view philanthropy – particularly by businesses – with mild suspicion.
“This scrutiny almost automatically assumes that those who give are motivated by cynicism or an act of PR to improve their public image.”
She said a “desire for transparency is a healthy one, but it is clouding our judgement and discouraging would-be philanthropists”.
She said: “More can undoubtedly be done to create a positive giving environment at home.”
She also highlighted the Science Museum dropping the oil company Shell as a sponsor and the British Museum receiving criticism for receiving funds from BP.
“For its recent commitment of £50m to the British Museum, the biggest donation of its kind, I think we should say to BP, thank you,” said Frazer.
“The ultimate beneficiaries of these sponsorships are all of us.
“While government funding sustains free entry and access to our world-leading museums and art galleries, exceptional acts of generosity such as donations and sponsorships are key to widening access to great artworks and cultural treasures.”