The UK Government’s recent paper, Our Place to Give, marks a significant step forward in recognising the role of philanthropy in addressing deep-seated social and economic challenges. While the plan applies to England only, reflecting the devolved nature of philanthropy policy, it nonetheless sets out a clear direction of travel that Scotland would do well to examine closely.
At its core, Our Place to Give is about place-based philanthropy. It acknowledges a longstanding issue in the UK where charitable giving is unevenly distributed, with wealth and philanthropy often concentrated in London and the South East. The UK Government’s response is to encourage a stronger connection between donors and the places that shaped them, alongside better coordination between public, private and philanthropic capital.
This is a welcome and overdue development. However, it is best understood as a strategic framework rather than a fully developed delivery model. It sets the tone, establishes intent and signals a willingness for government to act as a convener and catalyst but it stops short of defining the full system required to unlock philanthropy at scale.
This is where the recent Centre for Social Justice Foundation paper Supercharging Philanthropy in Scotland becomes particularly relevant. Developed as a Scottish response to the wider CSJ work, it provides precisely the level of operational detail and ambition that can turn intent into impact.
For example, both approaches recognise the importance of place. Yet while Our Place to Give encourages localised giving, Supercharging Philanthropy goes further by proposing the creation of “Charitable Investment Zones”. These arespecific areas of low giving and high need where government would actively match philanthropic contributions and convene local actors.
Similarly, both frameworks emphasise the importance of partnership and co-investment. But again, the Scottish proposals are more concrete and more ambitious, calling for a £100 million match-funding initiative designed to leverage private giving at scale and provide the confidence philanthropists need to commit larger sums.
Perhaps most importantly, Supercharging Philanthropy recognises that unlocking giving is not simply about encouragement, it requires system leadership and infrastructure. Its recommendations include a National Philanthropy Strategy, the appointment of a National Philanthropy Champion, regional leadership structures and a stronger role for OSCR in promoting giving and improving data.
Taken together, these proposals offer a comprehensive blueprint for how a government can move from warm words to measurable outcomes.
The contrast, therefore, is instructive. The UK Government has created a policy window, giving a clear signal that philanthropy matters and should be integrated into wider economic and social policy. Scotland now has an opportunity to go further, and faster.
Indeed, the case for action is arguably stronger north of the border. Scotland has a proud tradition of civic giving, yet also faces acute challenges in terms of rural poverty, economic inactivity, and pressure on public services. At the same time, there remains significant untapped philanthropic potential, particularly if it can be aligned more effectively with national and local priorities.
What is now required is leadership.
The Scottish Government should seize this moment to develop a National Philanthropy Strategy for Scotland, building on the principles outlined in Supercharging Philanthropy. This should include clear targets for increasing giving, mechanisms for match funding, and a commitment to embedding philanthropy across government decision-making. It should also recognise the importance of place, ensuring that philanthropic capital reaches the communities that need it most.
In doing so, Scotland would not simply be replicating the approach taken in England. It would be leading the way, demonstrating how a small nation can design a coherent, ambitious, and place-sensitive philanthropy ecosystem.
The opportunity is clear. The question is whether the political parties will take it.
Kenneth Ferguson is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Social Justice Foundation