GIVING THOUGHT CHARITY AND CIVIL SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS

Welcome to the publications library for our Giving Thought think-tank. Giving Thought is where we consider the key challenges facing civil society globally, explore how and why people and companies give, and test radical new ideas that could shape the future of charity.

We provide insight and stimulate debate that leads to changes in policy and practice which foster healthier civil society around the world. We explore trends in giving and how developments in society and technology will open up new opportunities for doing good.

Publications are filed by our key themes: Giving Matters, Civil Society Matters, How Giving Works and the Future of Doing Good.

FUTURE OF DOING GOOD

What does the future of charity giving look like? Find out here for free, along with latest trends within the not-for-profit sector, and much more.

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Networking Opportunities: rediscovering decentralisation in philanthropy?

This paper (presented at the 2019 ARNOVA conference) explores decentralisation in philanthropy and civil society. Will new tech-driven approaches overcome the traditional limitations of decentralised models or will they run into the same challenges?
This paper (presented at the 2019 ARNOVA...
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Machine-Made Goods: Charities, Philanthropy and Artificial Intelligence

This report discusses the profound implications Artificial Intelligence will for civil society and the work of charities.
This report discusses the profound...
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CAF submission to House of Lords call for evidence on AI

This is CAF's submission to a call for evidence from the House of Lords Select committe on Artifical Intelligence (AI). We outline the work we have done in this area and how we think this technology will affect charities and donors.
This is CAF's submission to a call for...
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Using blockchain technology to create and regulate civil society organisations

In 'Block and Tackle' we ask whether blockchain technology could be used to create charities and other civil society organisations. This could transform how charities operate and the ways in which they are regulated
In 'Block and Tackle' we ask whether...
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Blockchain, DAOs and the decentralised future of charity

In 'Losing the Middle, Keeping the Heart' we explore the ways in which the decentralising effects of blockchain technology could transform philanthropy and the structure of charitable organisations.
In 'Losing the Middle, Keeping the Heart' we...
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Giving Unchained: Philanthropy and the blockchain

The blockchain is the technology that makes Bitcoin possible, and experts now believe it has far wider applications in all sorts of areas. In this paper we explore some of the ways in which blockchain tech could transform giving.
The blockchain is the technology that makes...
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Giving a Bit(coin): Cryptocurrency and philanthropy

In this paper we look at some of the unique features of new 'cryptocurrencies' such as Bitcoin, and how they could bring benefits for philanthropy and the work of charities.
In this paper we look at some of the unique...

GIVING MATTERS

Discover all you need to know about charitable giving, philanthropy, political and social giving. From the very latest industry trends and changes, through to the role of philanthropy today, you can access the Giving Thought think tank hub of charitable research papers here.

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Giving a Sense of Place: Philanthropy and the future of UK civic identity

In this report - part of the "Giving for the City" project - we look at the the role that philanthropy can play in towns and cities around the UK, and what needs to be done to build a new golden age of civic philanthropy in this country.
In this report - part of the "Giving for the...
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Chain Links - The role of mayors in building a culture of philanthropy

In this discussion paper - as part of the "Giving for the City" project- we look at the role that mayors can play in building a culture of civic philanthropy in our towns and cities.
In this discussion paper - as part of the...
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Brave New World 2017

2016 was a year of major political and social change. This presents both challenges and opportunities for philanthropy. In this paper we explore how philanthropy can rise to those challenges and grasp those opportunities.
2016 was a year of major political and...
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Introduction to Public Good by Private Means

This is the introduction to our book, which charts the history of philanthropy in the UK and what it can tell us about the role of philanthropy today.
This is the introduction to our book, which...

CIVIL SOCIETY MATTERS

From civil society policy changes and developments, to the current threats and opportunities facing the not-for-profit sector, we provide the very latest information free for download online.

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From the margins to the mainstream

In this paper we explore what a range of historical examples can tell us about the complex relationship between philanthropic funders and movements that have sought to further diversity, equity and inclusion.
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Do As I Say, Not As I Do: UK policy and the global closing space for civil society

In this report we explore recent policy developments affecting advocacy by civil society organisations in the UK, and the effect these may have on the UK's soft power.
In this report we explore recent policy...
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Future World Giving: Enabling an Independent Not-for-profit sector

This report warns that poor legislation on not-for-profit campaigning and independence could jeopardise efforts to promote giving among new generations of middle class people emerging across the world, potentially costing up to $224 billion a year to good causes by 2030.
This report warns that poor legislation on...
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Beyond Integrity: Exploring the role of business in preserving the civil society space

This report, produced by CAF in collaboration with the LSE, examines how some companies are going above and beyond their traditional role to protect civic space. It highlights case studies of companies that have championed and stood up for individuals and civil society organisations.
This report, produced by CAF in...

HOW GIVING WORKS

How does charitable giving work? Find out the answer to this, and much more, in our UK and international giving resource, free to access and download online. Here you can discover more about the tax-free aspect of donations, international gross domestic philanthropy, and more.

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Donation States: An international comparison of the tax treatment of donations

This report compares the tax treatment of charitable donations in 26 countries around the world. It identifies examples of best practice as well to see how governments can best use tax policy to encourage giving.
This report compares the tax treatment of...
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Gross Domestic Philanthropy: An international analysis of GDP, tax and giving

This report looks at available data for 24 countries to examine some of the factors affecting the link between GDP and charitable giving. It finds that the assumption that a smaller state and lower tax means more giving may not be well-founded.
This report looks at available data for 24...
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Why the UK should not aspire to a “US-style” culture of charitable giving

The 'Give Me a Break' report calls for a better understanding of what we can learn from America, so that we can incorporate it into a uniquely British culture of philanthropy.
The 'Give Me a Break' report calls for a...

Returns Policy - What the next decade means for social investment

The report outlines the issues facing both the supply and demand sides of the market, and some of the challenges these present to policymakers and practitioners.
The report outlines the issues facing both...

THE GIVING THOUGHT TEAM

Rhodri Davies

Rhodri Davies

Head of Policy

Rhodri leads Giving Thought, our in-house think tank focusing on current and future issues affecting philanthropy and civil society. Rhodri has spent nearly a decade specialising in public policy around philanthropy and the work of charities, and has researched, written and presented on a wide range of topics. He has a first-class degree in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of Oxford.   Read more about Rhodri

E: givingthought@cafonline.org

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Our blog includes details about key issues affecting civil society, philanthropy, social investment and using new technologies for social good.

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Public Good by Private Means

Rhodri Davies' book tells the story of philanthropy through the ages, and examines the relationship between philanthropists, the state and society.

Read “Public Good by Private Means” ►