How to Give with Flair and Impact: The New Philanthropy

The rise of modern philanthropy and how to give with impact

Philanthropy has had a makeover. Gone are the days of quiet cheques and distant causes. Today, giving is bold, personal, and often a little bit unconventional. It’s about doing something that matters to you, in a way that truly makes a difference.

What is philanthropy?

Philanthropy can involve donating time, money or setting up charitable foundations. It goes beyond the short-term relief to create long-term impact, incorporating a more strategic and structured approach focusing on specific social issues.

While donations continue to form part of philanthropy, it also extends to volunteering, advocating for social change, taking on mentoring opportunities and contributing to wellbeing activities.

Real people – real impact

• Take Sam. After selling his tech business, he didn’t just donate to a national charity and move on. He launched a community innovation fund in the Midlands to back grassroots projects with big potential. He gets involved, meets the people, and sees the impact unfold.
• Then there’s Priya, who runs her family’s manufacturing business. She’s funding sustainable farming projects in the rural parts of India where her grandparents lived. It’s her way of giving back to a place that shaped her family’s story.
• And June? She’s 76, retired, and thought philanthropy was out of her league. But this year, she set up a scholarship for mature students at her local college. “It’s not a huge amount,” she says, “but it’s the one thing I wish I’d had when I was younger.” That is giving with real impact.

Intentional giving

Modern giving is less about wealth and more about intention. People want to do something real, something lasting. It might be a one-off donation. It might be the start of a foundation. The point is, there is no set formula.

Some people want to give loudly, championing causes and rallying and involving others. Other people prefer to stay behind the scenes, quietly effecting change in ways that match their values. Both are equally valid. What matters is though, is that it feels right for you.

But giving well takes more than good intentions. It helps to think ahead. Whether you’re setting up a charitable trust, exploring tax-efficient options, or involving your family in a longer-term plan, thought and structure matters. The right support can make your giving go further.

What is the 5 rule for philanthropy?

One key difference between a public charity and a private foundation is that private foundations are generally required to distribute at least 5% of their net investment assets annually for charitable purposes.

So, what’s your vision? What would meaningful giving look like in your world?

However you choose to do it, giving with flair doesn’t mean flashy. It means thoughtful, creative, and impactful.

Philanthropy done right isn’t just generous. It can be very powerful. And it can be one of the most fulfilling and feel-good things you ever do. Our charity legal experts can help you put the right framework in place to support your goals, do contact us >