Scotland's Philanthropy Debate 2010

The Scottish Community Foundation held its second public discussion on philanthropy on Wednesday 3 November 2010 in Edinburgh.

The BBC's Sally Magnusson ably hosted Scotland's Philanthroy Debate 2010, organised by the Scottish Community Foundation, in association with Adam & Company.

Lord Smith of Kelvin; Sir Christopher Gent, chair of GlaxoSmithKline; Ann Gloag, businesswoman and philanthropist; Jim McColl, chief executive of Clyde Blowers and Anne Boyd took questions from the audience on philanthropy and charitable giving.

Q&A

Asked by David Thomson, Chief Investment Officer of VWM Wealth Management

Given the public cuts in expenditure announced by the government, and the impact this will have on many charities across the country, what role do panel members see for philanthropists in the next few years?

Lord Smith: “I see an increased role for philanthropists. I feel that the Government should provide a basic level of service, but philanthropists have to step in at times when the Government can’t offer this, but only in the short term.”

Jim McColl: “I think we need to see smarter thinking from philanthropists and charities to make sure that money is used effectively. I’d like to see more collaboration between charities and in some cases the amalgamation of charities that are working in similar fields. There are lots of charities working in the same locations offering similar or complementary services that are competing for the same funding.”

Please use the following link to download the full selection of Q&As (PDF 100kb)

Visit our Media Centre to read the pre-event press release.