The government has launched a scheme it hopes will boost philanthropic giving among the wealthy.

It is being backed by £1m in government funding over the next three years and includes offering wealthy donors opportunities for match funding.

The scheme also pledges to offer philanthropists greater involvement in funding programmes through the creation of a network of regional philanthropic ambassadors “to broker stronger links” between wealthy donors, communities and government.

Better collaboration between government and the financial services sector to improve philanthropic advice is another aspect of the scheme, which has been announced as part of the government's Our Place to Give policy paper.

Another aim of the scheme is to boost giving to good causes outside of London.

Ministers say that “despite £14 billion being donated to charity across the UK in 2025, the benefits have not been shared equally”.

“London currently receives more than a third of all funding from the largest philanthropic foundations and four times the value of Gift Aid donations compared to the UK average,” it adds.

Civil society minister Stephanie Peacock added that the scheme “will help philanthropists across the country support local causes they are passionate about”.

She said: “By better connecting generous individuals with local organisations at the heart of their communities, we can unlock a new wave of giving that reaches every corner of the country.”

Among philanthropists backing the announcement is Steve Rigby, chief executive of tech and investment firm Rigby Group and chair of the Rigby Foundation, which supports good causes in the West Midlands, where it is headquartered.

“The UK has some outstanding philanthropists, and Our Place to Give provides a roadmap for unlocking even greater investment into communities across the country,” he said.

The Our Place to Give scheme has been developed in collaboration with among others the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and think tank New Philanthropy Capital.

“With levels of giving declining in the UK, this strategy is a much needed step towards reviving giving up and down the country,” said CAF managing director Mark Greer.

“Encouraging those who can afford it to give more to the places that need it most is vital for building more resilient charities and communities.

“We also welcome the government’s acknowledgement of the importance of philanthropic infrastructure in its strategy. This must be the starting point to strengthen and grow this crucial layer of the giving ecosystem going forward.”

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