Civil society minister Stuart Andrew wants to expand philanthropy UK wide amid concerns donating from high-worth organisations and individuals is too concentrated in London and the south of England.

Andrew was making the comments during a speech to an audience of philanthropists attending the Beacon Philanthropy and Impact Forum.

“We want to encourage more philanthropy, particularly at a regional level, he said, citing the example of the West London Zone social outcomes partnership involving a blend of philanthropist and public sector funding.

“It has made a significant difference to children and young people’s life chances,” he said.

But he warned that “philanthropy is still primarily concentrated in London and the south”.

“So we want to explore how similar models could potentially be developed around the country that can maximise social impact” as well as “better reach marginalised communities, and can involve people of all backgrounds”, he added.

To help boost philanthropy UK wide he also wants to encourage philanthropy champions who can influence other potential donors.

He names well known philanthropists such as the Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, “who has given £20 million to create his charity Mission 44”.

“Peer influence also makes a huge difference - one-third of wealthy donors report donating after being encouraged by friends or family,” said Andrew.

“So we want to help bring together established philanthropists, and high net worth individuals, with the next wave of budding donors.”

Promotion of philanthropy across government is another policy Andrew is pursuing.

Cross-government

He says that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is “taking the lead role in coordinating efforts across Whitehall to foster a better operating environment for philanthropy in the UK”.

Action already taking includes work by the Office for Investment, a joint unit between No.10 and the Department for Business and Trade, which “has created a new concierge service for high value transformational philanthropic capital”.

“Its objective is to increase giving from international donors, in the same manner that it does with inward investment,” he said.

In addition, Andrew wants philanthropy to be better recognised in the honours system.

In January, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer She called for a “collective attitude shift" in UK society to philanthropy and greater respect for fossil fuel companies that donate.

Instead of “seeking to find fault” with philanthropists, UK society should be “applauding them”, she said.

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