The new president of the Community Foundation Network (CFN) has announced plans to draft a ‘Manifesto for Grassroots Philanthropy’ to influence the policies of the main political parties.

Baroness Usha Prashar, the new CFN president, has asked CFN Chair Matthew Bowcock to chair the working group which will comprise a small, varied group of donors, grant-makers and other individuals with community foundation experience.

The group will consider what changes government could make to encourage voluntary sector organisations and philanthropists to promote giving locally. The findings will be discussed in a wider consultation with others, such as academics, before the group draws up the manifesto.

Prashar said, “Governments take too few risks when it comes to philanthropy and need to be less controlling … we also need to harness the expertise we have within the network in order to influence public policy and political agendas. The role of government in creating an environment and conditions where philanthropy can prosper is crucial.”