The Cultural Philanthropy Foundation champions culture as a dynamic force for change.

We raise awareness of the value culture contributes to society, and particularly the central role it must play in responding to the climate and nature crises. Together, we advocate for new approaches to cultural sector funding and work to foster a more inclusive and resilient future for the arts.

Our work includes campaigning, thought leadership and research. Explore our site to read more about what we do.

WE BELIEVE THAT CULTURE BELONGS TO EVERYONE

Thought Leadership

The Cultural Philanthropy Foundation runs an annual thought leadership event which aims to spark new ways of thinking about culture, philanthropy and the role that they can and should play in today's society.

In November 2024, we hosted our second Thought Leadership lecture, given by Former Green Party Leader, Caroline Lucas at the Southbank Centre. ‘Another World is Possible’ launched our programme on environmental impact, encouraging the cultural sector to become leaders in response to the climate emergency.

Campaigning

We campaign publicly for the democratisation of culture, and for the value it brings to our lives.

Campaigns and initatives have included the Achates Philanthropy Prize, which celebrated first time donors to culture of all levels; bringing 30+ London organisations together to form the London Ticket Bank during the cost of living crisis, offering free tickets to those otherwise unable to engage in culture; and creating a consortium of 300 organisations across the UK in the 2024 Culture Makes... campaign advocating for the value and impact of culture.

Research + Advocacy

As well as thought leadership and campaigning, we are an advocacy and research organisation with extensive experience of changing attitudes within cultural sector organisations and supporting them in engaging their audiences. We undertake high-level advocacy work with partners including DCMS who we recently supported in the development of a philanthropy strategy, and with The Genesis Foundation and The Delfina Foundation.

Current research includes a case study project looking at organisational changemaking around environmental impact in the culture and heritage sectors, and a series of in-depth focus groups exploring attitudes to culture, climate & health in partnership with the Wellcome Trust and Climate Outreach.