Join us for this fascinating discussion about issues surrounding philanthropy.
Discussion about philanthropy in recent years suggests that impact alone should not determine what is done by civil society and foundations. The concern is that simply talking about impact can lead to not-for-profit organisations to imitate for-profit companies, rather than brining to the table what is unique to them.
For the past three years, Rupert Strachwtiz has looked into this, along with former OECD Director Rolf Alter and Timo Unger. A category model was developed listing 45 questions foundations should ask themselves, divided into 15 subcategories and 5 categories (Commitment, Public Purpose, Relevance, Performance and Accountability).
The original working paper was published in English, German, French, and Chinese with generous support from the Gulbenkian Foundation (Portugal) and Carnegie UK (Scotland). Presentations and discussions were held all over the world, including Addis Ababa, Beijing, Berlin, London, Madrid, Moscow, Paris, and New York, as well as online.
The methodology was continually updated and improved. A number of foundations have successfully used it on themselves. The report, which includes a practical manual for users, will become available to attendees.
Join this on-line event us for a presentation on the report by its author, RSA Fellow Dr Rupert Graf Strachwitz. Discussion with RSA Fellow Sufina Ahmad MBE and Sir John Elvidge KCB FRSE will follow. As at all RSA events, there will be a chance for some panel/audience Q&A. This is a second event in a series on Philanthropy (the first being discussion of “In Defence of Philanthropy” with Dr Beth Breeze OBE).
Speakers and Panel:
Dr Rupert Graf Strachwitz FRSA has been involved with not-for-profit organisations for well over thirty years, as a volunteer, staff member, board member, consultant, researcher, and lecturer. Since 1989, he has been Managing Director of Maecenata Management, a consultancy which specialises in foundations and associations, corporate citizenship and philanthropy. He is also Executive Director of the Maecenata Foundation, Deputy chairman of the German British Society in Berlin, Chairman of the Fliege Foundation, and Deputy Chairman of the ADAC Foundation.
Sufina Ahmad MBE FRSA became the John Ellerman Foundation’s Director in January 2020 and works closely with the trustees and all stakeholders, including grantees. Her previous roles involved working in corporate strategy and performance at the City of London Corporation, the National Lottery Community Fund, and the City Bridge Trust. She holds trusteeships with Just for Kids Law, We Belong, The Charterhouse, and the Association of Charitable Foundations.
Sir John Elvidge KCB FRSE, who currently chairs the Carnegie UK Trust, was Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government from 2003 to 2010. He has previously worked in the Cabinet Office and the Scottish Office and has also held advisory roles with a range of government in both Europe and further afield. He is an Associate of the Institute for Government, writing Northern Exposure: Lessons from the first twelve years of Devolved Government in Scotland for IfG’s “Inside Out” series. A Carnegie Fellow from June 2012 to May 2014, he later became a Trustee.
Taking part in Online Events
For our interactive online events, the RSA uses the platform Zoom. It may be necessary to follow a short set-up process. To understand how Zoom uses your data, please read their Privacy Policy in advance.
Zoom call joining details will be sent out via email in advance of the event.
If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments to support your participation (e.g. BSL interpretation), please let the team know by emailing: networks@rsa.org.uk.
We sometimes record our online RSA Fellowship events for learning purposes, publicity and/or public viewing. By attending this event, you accept that you may appear in RSA videos or images as an attendee of this event.