Next Wednesday evening the Scottish Community Foundation, in association with wealth manager Adam & Company, will host Scotland’s Philanthropy Debate 2010 at the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.

With the Scottish Government currently deciding how it will cut £900 million from the Scottish budget following the Comprehensive Spending Review, a dark cloud hangs ominously over an already beleaguered voluntary sector. At its second national debate on philanthropy, the Scottish Community Foundation – a charity that specialises in providing support for philanthropic giving - will ask a panel an expert panel what they believe the role of philanthropists is in plugging the gaps caused by funding cuts. Or indeed, whether modern philanthropists see it as their role to step in when state funding falls short.

The BBC’s Sally Magnusson will chair this thought-provoking and lively debate on philanthropy and charitable giving. Taking questions from the audience will be Lord Smith of Kelvin, patron of the Scottish Community Foundation, Chairman of The Weir Group plc and Scottish and Southern Energy plc; Sir Christopher Gent, Chairman of GlaxoSmithKline; Ann Gloag, co-founder of Stagecoach plc; Jim McColl, Chief Executive of Clyde Blowers; and Anne Boyd, Chair of the Scottish Community Foundation. Jim Mather MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism will bring the event to a close with his thoughts on the role of philanthropy in Scotland.

Giles Ruck, chief executive of the Scottish Community Foundation said: “In the last few years, the Foundation has seen an increase in philanthropists wishing to work together or match corporate and government funding to increase the benefit of their charitable investments. This combined philanthropy is an exciting prospect, particularly in these straitened economic times, but we feel opportunities are being missed due to a lack of dialogue. Next week we will bring together private donors and representatives from the business community and Scottish Government to open up the discussion. We want to encourage people to think about how the important role philanthropy can play in Scotland’s future.”

Maya Prabhu, Head of UK Philanthropy for Adam & Company commented: “Philanthropy can provide a real sense of purpose and happiness for all those interested in making the world a better place. Emerging new approaches to charitable giving are creating exciting new opportunities to get involved and create a social impact. At the same time, with so many deserving causes, it can be challenging to understand how to make the most difference. Whether just starting out or somewhere down the road in your philanthropy journey, this debate will provide inspiration and insights on making a bigger difference to charitable causes.”

The event coincides with the launch of Adam’s philanthropy proposition for clients, providing clients with assistance around their strategic giving of money, time or assets in support of social and / or environmental causes.

Richard Lockhart, Senior Client Partner for Adam & Company commented: “This debate is being held at an incredibly exciting time of change for Adam. We are investing heavily in our business in order to provide greater access to products and services to clients, and the introduction of the new philanthropy offering is just one of the new benefits. This debate is the first of a series of events that we are looking to host for Adam clients over the coming months and years, ensuring that we are continuing to provide valuable networking and learning opportunities around subjects that are close to the hearts of our clients.”

The debate will be attended by 160 high profile philanthropists, entrepreneurs and business professionals from across Scotland. All tickets have been allocated.

ENDS

Media contacts

For more information about the debate or the Scottish Community Foundation, contact Nadine Urquhart on 0131 524 0304 or email nadine@scottishcf.org, or visit www.scottishcf.org

For further information about Adam & Company, contact Jo Thorne on 0207 957 2650, or visit www.adambank.com

Notes to editors

1. The panel and Scottish Community Foundation chief executive, Giles Ruck will be available for interview ahead of the event. Please contact Nadine Urquhart on 0131 524 0304 to arrange.