Thursday, December 1, 2011

What should a government do to encourage philanthropy and social investment? A look at the 'Big Society' policies in the UK

Philanthropy and government intervention are often viewed as substitutes. The “crowding out” argument in the economic literature suggests that the larger welfare states grow, the smaller private donations become. Hence the idea that philanthropy and the nonprofit sector could replace welfare programs if provided with the appropriate incentives. Since the 2010 general election, the UK government has encouraged such views through the “Big Society” allegory, and sponsored local and community-based programs in order to unleash entrepreneurial spirit in social matters. Yet this policy has been widely criticized as utopian, uncertain, unequal, insincere or even authoritarian. The British example illustrates a universal debate of particular relevance today: What should a government do – if anything – to foster “private initiatives for public good”? How is it possible to boost philanthropy and social investment despite the financial and debt crisis?

Avec :

• David Carrington, Consultant, Co-Founder of Alliance Publishing Trust.

• John Kingston, Chairman of the Association of Charitable Foundations, Founder of Venturesome.

Podcast:

• Intervention de David Carrington

• Intervention de John Kingston