Just about to go to Birmingham for flight to Belfast and looking forward to an inspiring few days learning from other Community Foundations across the UK as well as many others on how we can all encourage more philanthropy.
So it was great to read John Nickson commenting in the FT the other day, as not only will he be addressing the masses in Belfast but he will also be joining our debate at the Oxford Union in November.
Very excited to hear what he has to say...
The key question must be whether tax relief for donkey sanctuaries and cats homes is in the public interest. A healthy society depends upon commitment to the common good. Everyone should pay tax and those who are able should give. Philanthropy, however, is and should be a matter of personal choice, and that is why charity cannot substitute for the state. Those who believe that charitable giving can compensate for a smaller state are deluding themselves.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/185c0a7e-5bcf-11e5-a28b-50226830d644.html#axzz3mXEdSOTF
