Philanthropists create new online community

Philanthropists today have a new community to help "unleash philanthropy", and their efforts are being backed by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

The dedicated new site is among several initiatives fostered by the honorary, government-appointed Ambassador for Philanthropy Dame Stephanie Shirley, including getting donor advised funds/charity accounts in banks, a philanthropists' summit to advise government, and a forum on internet giving.

AmbassadorForPhilanthropy.com offers a voice for those investing significant sums in charity, including videos and profiles of major donors offering insights into why and how they give, and encouraging others to make a greater impact on local and global needs.

Already major philanthropists have joined the community, from James "Dragon's Den" Caan and arts expert Frederick Mulder to businessman Stelio Stefanou and recruitment millionaire Alec Reed.

Contributions from many more philanthropists will be uploaded in coming months, as the site grows in content and scope, expanding to include donors worldwide as well as original and aggregated giving stories.

In his own video published on the site today, prime minister Gordon Brown highlights how "the desire to give something back, whether it is time or money or skills or experience, is part of the soul of our nation."

He appointed Dame Stephanie as Ambassador for Philanthropy to harness the power of this national instinct for generosity. She said: "Already the results have been truly impressive, and I am confident that the work she has started will continue to bring rewards to those most in need."

Dame Stephanie said that in her self-defined task of "unleashing philanthropy", she is using the freedom and independence of her position - having the ear of government yet able to challenge established thinking and practice - to foster a range of initiatives, starting with AmbassadorForPhilanthropy.com, which is supported by partners, including Coutts and other brands who share the Ambassador's vision.

She added: "Other philanthropists, philanthropic leaders and organisations have seized on my ambassadorship as an opportunity to work together to put forward their own ideas of how to transform philanthropy and make giving easy."