The UK has a rich heritage of private philanthropy. It is scarcely possible to walk down any high street in our country without seeing the indelible mark of philanthropy in our hospitals, schools and universities, in libraries and community centres, theatres and museums, and in our religious and charitable institutions. Philanthropy is a force that has shaped our modern society.
More urgently, we are living in a time of great need, when inequality has led to deep divisions.
With social and environmental needs at crisis levels, we believe those who have benefited from the opportunities to create wealth in our society should accept the responsibility of giving back as a civic duty.