On 5th November, Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) hosted an evening of ‘Inspiring Philanthropy’ at the Green Park Conference Centre, Reading.
Over 120 guests attended the evening reception including the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Deputy Lieutenants, the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Mayors from towns and boroughs across the county, representatives from local businesses and BCF major fundholders.
Key speakers for the evening were Sir Hugh Stevenson, Dame Stephanie Shirley and Roberta d’Eustachio. Sir Hugh Stevenson is the former Deputy Chairman of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), who was awarded a knighthood in 2010 for services to the financial industry. Dame Stephanie Shirley is a British businesswoman and leading philanthropist who has given away more than £67 million of her personal wealth, made in the software business. Together with Roberta d’Eustachio she founded Ambassadors for Philanthropy, devoted to ‘giving philanthropists a voice’.
Roberta d’Eustachio said:
“Philanthropy is about being strategic with your giving (of time or money) and thinking about the effect it will have. In fact, when you start to question ‘Why do we have this problem and what can I do about it?’ then you’re thinking like a philanthropist.”
D’Eustachio added:
“Most philanthropists have their own vision and a personal reason for giving. Community Foundations can help with this vision – by giving locally, you can really see what happens with your money and what a difference it makes to local communities.”
The reception served as an annual thank you to BCF’s key donors and partners for their support. BCF raises funds for, and makes grants to, local charities and community groups addressing need across Berkshire, working with donors to inspire philanthropy and strategic charitable giving.
Andrew Middleton, CEO of BCF, is trying to increase the pace of community philanthropy. He said:
“We are seeing that the need in Berkshire is increasing, with the current economic climate and the impact of public spending cuts. It’s the philanthropists who will help us out of these hard times.”
“At BCF we work with many individuals and businesses who want to make a difference with their money but who may not know where to start. We’re here to help people think through their charitable giving to ensure it has the greatest impact in their community, to make a lasting difference. We’re happy to speak to any donors about how they can be more strategic in their giving.”
