Government Drives Investment into Disadvantaged Communities

Total charitable giving across the UK was estimated at £14bn in 2025, and the UK government has now launched a new strategy to make it easier for wealthy individuals to direct philanthropic funding into England’s most disadvantaged communities.

The plan, titled Our Place to Give, aims to address longstanding regional imbalances in charitable giving by connecting philanthropists with local initiatives outside London. Despite £14bn being donated to charity across the UK in 2025, funding remains heavily concentrated in the capital, which receives more than a third of major foundation support.

Backed by £1m in government funding, the initiative will introduce match-funding opportunities, strengthen partnerships between donors and communities, and create new channels for philanthropists to collaborate with government. A network of regional ambassadors will also be appointed to help broker relationships and guide investment into areas most in need.

The roadmap comes as the UK anticipates a significant intergenerational wealth transfer, with up to £7tr expected to pass down by 2050. Ministers say the strategy is designed to ensure more of this wealth is directed towards tackling inequality and supporting local growth.

Additional measures include closer collaboration with the financial services sector to improve philanthropic advice, as well as a new toolkit to help MPs champion local giving and connect donors with community projects.

The initiative builds on broader government efforts to drive regional development, including the £5.8bn Pride in Place programme, with the aim of aligning private philanthropy with public investment to deliver long-term impact.

Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Today’s announcement will help philanthropists across the country support local causes they are passionate about. By better connecting generous individuals with local organisations at the heart of their communities, we can unlock a new wave of giving that reaches every corner of the country.”

Steve Rigby, Chair of The Rigby Foundation and CEO, Rigby Group said: “The strong backing this report has received across the sector reflects the insight and experience brought together in its development. The UK has some outstanding philanthropists, and Our Place to Give provides a roadmap for unlocking even greater investment into communities across the country. Through my family’s charitable work in the West Midlands and my participation in the Philanthropy Reference Group, I’ve seen first-hand how connecting generous donors with local people and projects can drive meaningful, lasting change.”