Lord Mayor’s Coffee Colloquy explores the positive impact of collective philanthropy

Funding core costs, effectively targeting funding needs and correctly deploying resources were three of the topics discussed as the Centre for Charity Effectiveness (CCE) at Bayes Business School hosted the 17^th Lord Mayor’s Coffee Colloquy.

As part of a series aiming to promote connections in the City of London, the Coffee Colloquies draw on the historic coffee house concept to address leading social and economic issues of the day.

The session, attended by more than 90 people, was chaired by Alex Skailes, Director of CCE, who delivered an opening address around the power of leadership in effectively using philanthropic support to create positive social change, before leading a panel discussion with several high-profile speakers from the not-for-profit sector. Panellists included:

• James Banks, CEO, London Founders
• Sayeh Ghanbari, Business Consulting Leader and Trustee, EY Foundation
• Sarah Grieves, Community Partnerships Lead, Beam
• Bob Harris, Pan Livery Pro Bono Group, Worshipful Company of Management Consultants
• Fozia Irfan, Director, BBC Children in Need
• Lani Martin, Co-Founder, Impact 100 London
• Louisa Mitchell, CEO, AllChild
• Sonal Patel, CEO, GMSP Foundation

The panellists took questions on a range of relevant subjects, commenting on the need for systematic collaborations between funders and partners and their power-trust dynamics, how philanthropy can facilitate and de-risk innovation, the need for education to encourage the move from transactional philanthropy to one that positively transforms the status quo, and how to ensure inclusive and equitable philanthropy through better use of data.

Alex Skailes said the event produced some thought-provoking ideas and discussion points.

“It was a pleasure to chair such a vibrant discussion,” she said.

“Philanthropy is so much more than just a flow of monetary donations. With parts of society in urgent need of investment, giving is a necessity, but equally as empowering are the expertise and networks that many philanthropists can provide.

In this regard it was particularly interesting to hear panellists talk about how donors determine where to give their time and money and the role that independent data must play if we are to break down barriers to access and opportunity.

“In the case of not-for-profit organisations, bold leadership is critical towards utilising public funding and donor support in the most effective way, this builds trust and confidence in philanthropy, and encourages increased giving to the sector, creating a snowball effect.

“This Coffee Colloquy brought together expert thinkers and senior practitioners – and indeed several Bayes alumni – allowing them to forge new connections and cross fertilise ideas.   The power of collaborative philanthropy across sectors was showcased.

“This is what will drive the philanthropic agenda forward and ensure that our collective time and resources are successfully used to inspire transformation and deliver positive social change.”