December has a way of softening the edges of the year. As the days draw in and the lights go up, people often find themselves looking back, taking stock and feeling that familiar tug towards generosity. Are they giving in a way that truly matters? Is their support reaching the people and places that need it most?
Those who have been thinking about shaping or building a lasting legacy in Milton Keynes, may have already explored the idea of setting up a trust or foundation, but been dissuaded by the decisions to make, paperwork to keep on top of, due diligence to carry out, and an ever-shifting landscape of local need to understand.
Working with MK Community Foundation can be a simpler, more flexible way to achieve the same impact. For almost 40 years, it has helped individuals and businesses turn their generosity into focused, effective local action by setting up funds that reflect their giving ambitions. Instead of navigating the administrative maze alone, fundholders have a trusted partner, one with deep roots, strong community relationships, and an ongoing commitment to making the city fairer and better for everyone.
Every year (or more often, if they want), fundholders sit down with their assigned manager to review a detailed, thoughtful report that traces the arc of their giving over the past year. They see which projects were supported, how those projects shaped people’s lives, and the photos and stories that bring that impact to life.
They might hear about a community garden growing food for its local food bank, or a school programme using the arts to support children’s mental health, all carefully vetted long before funding reaches them. Every project that comes across the Foundation’s desk undergoes rigorous checks, so donors can feel confident that their support is placed where it’s needed most.
And perhaps most meaningfully, they will hear about charities they may never have discovered on their own. Many of the city’s most impactful groups are small, nimble and deeply embedded in their communities, often too busy doing the work to make themselves visible. An OU report showed that 36% of the city’s charities are operating with a turnover of less than £10,000. Often, these are the people holding the hands of the most vulnerable in the community.
Setting up an endowment fund also comes with a rare opportunity: eligible contributions of £12,500 or more can be match-funded, instantly doubling the investment. It means that generosity grows from day one, creating a permanent pot of support that will continue to strengthen local charities and communities long into the future.
All of this is underpinned by ongoing research. Each year, MK Community Foundation publishes Vital Signs, a snapshot of the needs and opportunities in Milton Keynes. It shines a light on the pressures facing local people and shows where philanthropy can step in with both compassion and precision.
If this season has you reflecting on the future you want to build in Milton Keynes, now might be the time to explore a different way of giving. It all starts with an informal conversation with the friendly Philanthropy Team.
Find out more on the MK Community Foundation website.
