Nottinghamshire Community Foundation’s Celebrating Local Philanthropy event at Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club, near Cotgrave, on March 23. Pictured (L-R) are: Paddy Tipping, chairman of Nottinghamshire Community Foundation and Nottinghamshire police and crime commissioner, 1% Matters co-founder Mark Goldby, Lord Mayor of Nottingham Jackie Morris, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Dr Jas Bilkhu, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo CEO Clotilde Dedecker, 1% Matters co-founder David Ryley, Nottinghamshire Community Foundation CEO Nina Dauban and Fabian French, CEO of UK Community Foundations
New York learning from Nottinghamshire businesses how to help charities
Businesses in Nottingham are inspiring charitable efforts across the pond after teaming up with an American philanthropy organisation.
Members of the Nottinghamshire Community Foundation (NCF) have shared ideas on how to encourage donations with the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, in New York state.
The US organisation’s CEO Clotilde Dedecker flew over to speak about the “power of collective action” at the NCF’s Celebrating Local Philanthropy annual event at Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club, near Cotgrave, on Wednesday.
She said: “We have a peer learning relationship, where we share best practices and thinking about how to support charities and individuals in a way that makes a difference to critical needs in our communities.
It’s really embraced by Nottingham businesses and people.”
About 120 people, including some of Nottinghamshire’s most successful entrepreneurs, joined civic dignitaries at the celebration event.
High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Dr Jas Bilkhu spoke about his year in office, including the organisations and charities he has been involved with.
Read more: Businessmen vow to donate 1% of their salaries to good causes
He has helped raise money for Age UK and domestic abuse charity Karma Nirvana, while he has attended events supporting organisations like Nottinghamshire Hospice and Rainbows Children’s Hospice.
Dr Bilkhu said in his speech: “It’s an opportunity to make a difference and lend support to the voluntary services and charities.”
One example of business philanthropy highlighted was the 1% Matters Fund, set up by Riley Wealth Management founder David Ryley and SMS Electronics managing director Mark Goldby.
They give away one percent of their salary and have encouraged other firm bosses to do the same.
Mr Goldby, who is now a trustee of the foundation, said: “I’m really pleased with how it’s been going. I’m Nottingham born, raised and educated so I care passionately about the city and county.
“It’s making an important difference locally and this event is getting the message of the concept out there so more businessmen and women sign up.”
Nina Dauban, CEO of Nottinghamshire Community Foundation, added: “We brought together a lot of philanthropists to celebrate local giving and its benefits.
“We especially like to promote the importance of coming together as businesses or individuals giving a small amount can make a huge difference locally.
“It’s even more important as government cuts continue to bite for charities.”
