Philanthropists and grant-making foundations could be working more closely together in order to help more charities, says a new report.

Charity consultancy New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) says that the opportunities for closer working are often overlooked.

The report, Achieving more together, looks into the opportunities and challenges that a relationship between philanthropists and foundations can bring.

The research draws on conversations with a number of organisations about their experience of working with new philanthropists, and includes interviews with NPC advisors about clients they have worked with.

The author of the report, NPC senior consultant, Padraic Brick, said: ‘There are many benefits to philanthropists from working with foundations. Many find it rewarding to fund with another organisation and to know that their funding is being used as part of a wider strategy. But as an option for giving, it’s often overlooked.’

The report, which was funded by City Parochial Foundation, offers advice and information on how foundations can increase their visibility to philanthropists and manage that relationship once formed.

It examines different models for collaboration and considers how any barriers can be overcome.

The report concludes that by developing long-lasting relationships with individual donors, foundations can use their expertise to ensure that more funding is given effectively to the issues that they address.

In turn, by working with foundations, new philanthropists can benefit from existing knowledge and infrastructure, and feel greater assurance about the effectiveness of their donations.