Advising philanthropists without borders

The growing appetite for advice on international giving was highlighted by all the speakers at an event to mark the launch of NPC’s report on supporting charities in the developing world: Philanthropists without borders.

Lord Joel Joffe, former Oxfam chair and human rights lawyer, reflected on the challenges of setting up his own foundation many years ago.

‘I only wish that when I had set up my charitable trust many years ago, I had the benefit of an organisation like NPC and a report like this one,’ he said. ‘I remember not having any idea whatsoever as to how I could effectively allocate my Trust’s funds.’

‘I have been interested in NPC since its formation and was greatly attracted by the concept of an organisation which brought business research skills to the charitable sector,’ said Lord Joffe.

NPC's new partnership in India

Peter Wheeler Referring to NPC’s new partnership with Copal partners in India, Lord Joffe commented: ‘I am delighted that NPC is extending its expertise to the developing world…The partnership is a clear example of synergy, where bringing two excellent organisations together produces a result of more than the sum of two.’

Lynne Smitham, a donor supporting causes in India and sub-Saharan Africa, spoke about how NPC has helped the Kiawah trust, which she set up with her husband in 2004.

A close friend introduced us to NPC and it was our saving grace. NPC helped us to decide where to focus, gave us a framework for doing due diligence on charities, even helping us work out what questions to ask charities. I’ve learnt a lot, NPC also gave us a sense of confidence, a sense that we could do this!’

‘I can’t wait to carry on my learning journey with NPC and Copal,' said Smitham.

Also speaking at the event, was Rishi Khosla, founder and Chief Executive of Copal Partners, the organisation with which NPC will be carrying out charity research in India. Khosla recently joined NPC’s board of trustees, together with Baroness Julia Neuberger.

Khosla is looking forward to the NPC-Copal partnership, 'which I believe will result in tangible benefits for donors, charities and the communities that they serve in India.’

Copal provides outsourced research for investment banks and consultancies. It will contribute a team of analysts and research skills to the project, while NPC will bring its understanding of advising donors and its experience of assessing charities, with an NPC analyst being based in India full-time and with dedicated support from the London-based team.

Philanthropy from the head and the heart

Peter Wheeler, NPC trustee and founder, invited donors of all types to engage with NPC. ‘Philanthropy is a personal thing, it’s different for everyone, but we believe we can help at many levels,' he said.

'We recognise that no-one is driven to philanthropy by analysis, it has to start with the heart, and a personal resonance with helping address a real world need. But the journey from that impulse to effective philanthropy is a complex one. At NPC, we learn from every conversation we have with donors, as we do from our engagement with the organisations they support and the people they serve.'

'I hope you will find a way to engage NPC in your philanthropy in the future,’ said Wheeler.

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