About

This site includes my personal views on current issues affecting trusts and foundations in the UK.

For over 30 years I have worked and volunteered in a variety of different grantmaking and funding settings (local government, NHS and voluntary sector) – including leadership roles in grantmaking charities for more than 15 years.  I have chaired a regional network of grantmaking foundations and a regional voluntary sector infrastructure consortium.  I have been a trustee of a range of service providing charities, including a legal advice centre and a local hospital charity, giving me an understanding of the grantmaking process from the fundseeker’s perspective.

As a volunteer, I have also been an advisor to the boards of grantmaking foundations.

I will not apply for any new trustee positions unless I will be increasing the diversity of the board – as a white, middle class, late middle aged, gay man.  I anticipate there will be very few charities where that will be the case.

I believe that philanthropy – “the desire to promote the welfare of others” – is a fundamental individual and collective obligation to create and sustain a world that is fair for everyone.

Philanthropy isn’t just about giving money.  It is also about giving time, ideas and support to organisations, individuals and initiatives that will reduce inequalities and advance social justice.

Philanthropy is a personal choice we can all make.

James Fitzpatrick

Twitter:  @James_Fitz01