The Giving Portfolio: A Conversation on Strategic Philanthropy
A Conversation on Strategic Giving | South East Angels Lunch
Join us for an intimate conversation over lunch exploring what 'giving back' actually means when you've achieved financial success.
Many of our members and the wider private investor community are navigating this question - balancing the desire to create impact with the complexity of doing it well. Should you start a foundation? Support existing charities? Involve your family? How do you ensure your giving creates real change, not just good intentions?
Speakers:
We'll be joined by SEA Member Chris Goodman & his wife Elaine Goodman, who together have committed to donating £1M annually through his Focus Foundation after building his business to unicorn status. He'll share candidly what he's learned about strategic philanthropy, the mistakes he's made, and how he thinks about legacy beyond wealth.
Also joining us will be Clare Wilkins, Founder of Ampersand Philanthropy who advises individuals, families and corporate foundations on giving strategically and meaningfully. With 15 years' experience spanning charity fundraising, major gifts, research and strategy, Clare previously led the Effective Philanthropy practice at NPC and was the Master Charitable Trust (DAF) Specialist at C. Hoare & Co., where she supported high-net-worth clients and their wealth advisers on high-value philanthropic giving. She'll bring an advisor's perspective on how to move from good intentions to genuinely impactful giving - helping funders find the organisations best placed to create real change, not just the familiar names.
It's a safe space to explore questions like:
What does meaningful impact actually look like?
How do you evaluate where to give?
Foundation vs. direct giving - what makes sense?
How do you involve family in philanthropic decisions?
What's worked, what hasn't, and what surprised you?
Hosts:
This South East Angels event will be co-hosted by Coutts, at their London Headquarters.