‘World’s first research centre focusing on charity’ launches

A first of its kind research centre dedicated to supporting charities and researching the sector has launched.

The Gradel Institute of Charity is based at New College, University of Oxford, and is focused on “using research and collaboration with like-minded organisations to educate and inspire charities and other third sector organisations to embrace purposeful change to impact the world”, according to a statement.

It adds that the Institute aims “to become a beacon for both the academic study of charity and the charity sector itself”.

Another focus is developing teaching about the sector, governance, and leadership. This includes supporting charities to measure their impact, globally and nationally.

It will also use its research to advocate to “create a more positive environment for the sector”, among politicians and the media.

“At a time when charity organisations around the world are being called on to assist the delivery of a huge array of critical services to local communities, there is a pressing need for both insightful and relevant research about the sector and practical programmes that assist leaders increase the impact of their work,” said its academic director professor Peter Frumkin.

“For this reason, the Gradel Institute has the dual goal of catalysing the resources and expertise of the University of Oxford to develop new insights about charities, while also translating these ideas into programmes that engage leaders committed to achieving greater effectiveness in their work.”

The institute’s executive director Stephen Bubb added that its launch is “an important step in promoting world class research on charity”.

The sun shines on the launch of the Gradel Institute of Charity in New College,Oxford. https://t.co/ivzG9d93UK. An important step in promoting world class research on charity. Prompting and defending the importance of charity in our national life. pic.twitter.com/LhzQy75QBY
— Sir Stephen Bubb (@BubbCeo) September 29, 2023

Although based at New College the Institute is set to collaborate with difference colleges at Oxford as well as other universities in the UK and globally.

“The establishment of the world’s first research centre focusing on charity is an inspiring and essential step towards understanding and addressing the critical challenges faced by charitable organisations,” said House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt.

“May its work pave the way for a better understanding of the sector and empower individuals and organisations to create lasting and positive change in society.”