FPC Senior Adviser, Paul Welsh, and Head of Communications, Claire Merryweather, recently attended an invitation-only lunch hosted by the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside at the Royal Automobile Club in London.
The event brought together donors, long-standing supporters and professional connections for a practical discussion about modern-day philanthropy and the role of place-based giving in tackling local disadvantage.
For FPC, the themes resonated strongly with the purpose behind the FPC Foundation, as well as with the foundations our team has helped establish for some of our clients.
Thoughtful giving is not only about making donations. It is about understanding where support is most needed, how resources can be used well, and how long-term relationships can help create lasting impact.
The Community Foundation model is particularly powerful because it combines local insight with governance, grant-making experience and a deep understanding of grassroots organisations. It helps donors and supporters direct their giving in ways that are informed, targeted and connected to real community need.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of collaboration — bringing together people with different assets, networks and perspectives to learn from one another and support communities more effectively.
For clients and families thinking about philanthropy, this is an important message. Giving can be a meaningful part of financial planning, but it should be approached with the same care, due diligence and long-term thinking as any other significant planning decision.
The greatest impact often comes when generosity is matched with structure, insight and long-term stewardship.
You can read the Community Foundation’s write-up of the event here.