Groundbreaking Progress in UK Foundations: A New Era of Charity
The latest Foundation Practice Rating (FPR) report reveals a remarkable advancement in the practices of UK charitable foundations, highlighting significant strides in diversity, accountability, and transparency. This year's assessment reflects the most favorable ratings in the initiative's five-year history, underscoring a positive trend within the sector.
Historic Achievements in Assessment Ratings
This year, 12 foundations achieved an overall A grade, marking the highest number of top-rated foundations in a single year since the initiative began. Additionally, three foundations received an A in every assessed domain—diversity, accountability, and transparency—an achievement previously accomplished by only one foundation over the past four years. Notably, the number of foundations receiving a D grade across all three domains has declined to its lowest point ever.
Voices Supporting Change
Danielle Walker Palmour, Director of Friends Provident Foundation, expressed optimism about these results. “These results show that as a sector, we're making headway. There's still work to do, but improvements have been made. That’s good news for the charities who come to us for funding," she stated, reaffirming the positive implications for organizations reliant on support.
Making an Impact on Young Lives
Among the standout achievers is Mission 44, founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton, aimed at promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for young individuals globally. CEO Jason Arthur emphasized their commitment to inclusivity and the importance of listening to diverse perspectives to shape the foundation's initiatives.
Community Foundations Leading the Way
Community foundations have outperformed the broader sector, with all seven in this year's cohort scoring an A or B overall. Emma de Closset, Chief Executive of UK Community Foundations, shared, “It is fantastic to see that community foundations are consistently performing strongly in the Foundation Practice Rating. These results recognize the values that guide our work every day: trust, equity, and a commitment to making funding more accessible and responsive to local need.”
Encouraging a Culture of Transparency
As the landscape of philanthropy evolves, the commitment to transparency and accountability remains crucial. The Foundation Practice Rating serves as a tool to help ensure that charitable practices adapt positively alongside the changing environment, fostering a culture of trust within the sector.
