The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has launched a new initiative, Our Place to Give, aimed at growing place-based philanthropy across England.
The plan sets out how government will work in partnership with philanthropists, local authorities, and civil society to strengthen local giving and ensure funding reaches the communities that need it most.
What is ‘Our Place to Give’?
Place-based philanthropy focuses on directing funding into specific communities—bringing together local donors, charities, businesses, and public sector partners to tackle local challenges collaboratively.
Through Our Place to Give, DCMS aims to:
- Increase philanthropic investment in underserved areas
- Strengthen partnerships between funders and grassroots organisations
- Remove barriers that prevent smaller charities from accessing funding
- Support more coordinated, long-term local giving
Why this matters for small charities and community organisations
For voluntary and community organisations, this shift could create new opportunities to:
- Access funding that is more aligned with local needs
- Build stronger relationships with local funders and decision-makers
- Play a greater role in shaping how resources are distributed in your area
The focus on local collaboration means smaller, community-led organisations should be better positioned to contribute—and benefit.
Further information
You can explore the full details here:
- Government press release:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-unlock-philanthropic-investment-into-englands-most-disadvantaged-communities - Full policy paper (Our Place to Give):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-place-to-give-a-plan-for-growing-place-based-philanthropy - Full plan (HTML version):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-place-to-give-a-plan-for-growing-place-based-philanthropy/our-place-to-give-a-plan-for-growing-place-based-philanthropy
DCMS has also published a toolkit for MPs to help them support and champion place-based philanthropy in their constituencies.
What should your organisation do now?
While this is not a traditional funding programme, there are clear steps your organisation can take to engage:
1. Strengthen your local connections
Build relationships with local councils, community foundations, and other charities to position your organisation within local funding conversations. Attend our network meetings, or get in touch with our development manager Ravi@wandcareall.org.uk to link you in with other networks in your area.
2. Engage your MP
MPs are being encouraged to convene partners and support local giving. Consider reaching out to share your work and explore opportunities to collaborate. Find who your local MP is here
3. Make your impact visible
Ensure your organisation clearly communicates its impact, community reach, and funding needs to potential local funders and partners. Sign up to our newsletter to receive training and development opportunities.
4. Look out for new opportunities
DCMS has signalled plans for networks, partnerships, and further activity—we will keep you posted for ways to get involved.
5. Share your experience
If you face barriers to accessing funding, or have ideas about what would help, feed this back to DCMS.
Get in touch
For questions or to engage with the initiative, contact:
philanthropy@dcms.gov.uk
As this agenda develops, early engagement will be key. Organisations that build local partnerships and actively participate in shaping place-based giving are likely to benefit most as new opportunities emerge.
Place-based giving is an approach to philanthropy and community investment that focuses on improving outcomes within a specific geographic area — such as a neighbourhood, borough or town — by bringing together local people, funders, businesses, public services and community organisations to collectively address local priorities.
Rather than funding isolated projects individually, place-based giving aims to build long-term community capacity, relationships and local leadership by investing in the wider local ecosystem.