WHAT IS THE FUTURE FOR 'DOING GOOD'?

Our world is changing rapidly. New social trends and developments in technology will transform the ways in which we help others and address the biggest challenges facing our society.

Here we explore the key social and technological trends that will shape the world in the coming years, and the challenges and opportunities they will bring for civil society.
Cassie Robinson of National Lottery Community Fund interviews Rhodri Davies, CAF's Head of Policy, with fellow experts as part of a series about civil society, technology, and a new social contract.  Read the full article here.

latest Comment and insight

     
  • AI robot 275 blue
    22 May 2018 

    What does Theresa May’s speech on artificial intelligence in the NHS mean for charities?

    It’s clear from the Prime Minister’s speech that she expects charities to play a crucial role in achieving the Government’s target of reducing cancer deaths by 10%. Fortunately, medical charities have already built up a head of steam, acting as early adopters of exciting technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
  • AI robot 275
    27 April 2018 

    Where are Charities in the Great AI Debate?

    In this blog for the World Economic Forum, CAF's Head of Policy Rhodri Davies argues that civil society organisation need to engage with the debate over the future development of AI, and that governments and the tech industry need to make eforts to engage civil society to ensure that a broad range of views are heard.
  • Civil Society Futures
    26 April 2018 

    A quick take on the Civil Society Futures first year report

    The independent inquiry into Civil Society Futures has just released a report detailing the findings from their first year of research and engagement. What does this tell us about the challenges facing civil society, and the actions we need to take?
  • bitcoin single 275
    1 March 2018 

    From HODL to GIEV? The opportunities and challenges of cryptophilanthropy

    The massive rise in the value of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin has seen a new class of "crypto-wealthy" emerge. Could this wealth be harnessed for philanthropy, and what are that challenges to doing so?
  • unsplash study 275
    8 February 2018 

    Attention Pleas: Charities, the attention economy and ethical design

    As digital technology makes many things abundant and free, one of the few remaining scare resources is our own attention. How can charities compete in the "attention economy" without running the risk of contributing to longer term harm?

IN THE NEWS


THE FUTURE OF DOING GOOD VIDEO

Future Club: An introduction to Blockchain

Rhodri Davies, Head of Policy at CAF, on the in-and-outs of blockchain technology and what it means for charity in the future.

Talking technology at the ACF Annual Conference 2017

Rhodri Davies discusses how foundations should respond to changing technology and find new ways to solve social problems.

Brazilian Philanthropy Forum 2018

Rhodri Davies discusses the choice for philanthropists is no longer whether to engage with technology, but how they do so.

Giving Unchained: Could blockchain technology revolutionise charitable giving?

Rhodri Davies talks about our report Giving Unchained, which explores the potential for blockchain technology to transform giving.

Rhodri guests on blockchain & Effective Altruism podcast

Rhodri Davies joins Rhys Lindmark on his 'Creating a Humanist Blockchain Future' podcast

CAF at Tech:UK Blockchain for Good Event May 2018

Rhodri Davies talks about the speed of technological change and how tech will benefit, and challenge, charity.

THE FUTURE OF DOING GOOD RESOURCES

cent decent

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...
House of Lords logo (128px)

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...
Decentralised (128)

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...
image2-12monthbond128px

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...
image8-blockchainwasher128px

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...
image9-bitcoin128px

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...
lighthouse-grantmakingland-cta

The think tank for doing good

Giving Thought

Understanding and reimagining civil society.

Contact Giving Thought

MORE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF DOING GOOD

Future World Giving

This project created a policy framework to help governments seize the potential for rapidly growing middle class populations to engage in philanthropy.

Visit the Future World Giving project ► 

Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology

Here you can find all of our publications on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, together with some extra video content

Explore Bitcoin and Blockchain ► 

Future:Good

Our project to create a world where new technologies and social trends have a positive impact on the future of civil society.

Visit the future ►