The Centre for Philanthropy in SSPSSR is celebrating 10 years since its inception on Tuesday 6 November.
The Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent is celebrating 10 years since its inception on Tuesday 6 November.
Its research has provided some of the first detailed studies of philanthropy, fundraising and volunteering in the UK, and it has successfully launched the first postgraduate degree in Philanthropic Studies outside North America.
The Centre, formed in 2008, has established itself as a leading authority in this area, which is still an emerging academic discipline. Under the leadership of Dr Beth Breeze (pictured), it has produced five books examining several aspects of philanthropy and published 16 peer-reviewed articles contributing to a greater academic and social understanding of the field.
Dr Breeze’s most recent book, The New Fundraisers: Who Organises Charitable Giving in Contemporary Society?, was awarded the 2018 AFP/Skystone Partners Prize for Research on Fundraising and Philanthropy in April.
The Centre has also raised over £1m in funding and research grants, enterprise and philanthropic income and helped shape public policy by regularly advising on charity-related matters with civil servants and House of Lords Select Committee reports. The Centre has also written the annual Coutts Million Pound Donor Report since 2008.
Professor Philippe De Wilde, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation at the University, said: ‘I congratulate all involved with the Centre – the staff, students and supporters – for a highly successful first decade. I look forward to seeing the Centre go from strength to strength in the next ten years, as it continues to pursue its central aim of conducting high quality research, teaching and engagement activities to bring greater clarity to the meaning and purpose of philanthropy in contemporary society.’
The Centre recently received funding from Blackbaud to provide scholarships for two MA students for entry in 2019 as it continues to expand its offerings for the years ahead.