Philanthropy, Enterprise and Society in the North East of England Dr Mike Price

Philanthropy, Enterprise and Society in the North East of England

Dr Michael Price, Centre for Research on Entrepreneurship, Wealth and Philanthropy, Newcastle University.

The north east has a rich philanthropic heritage. Many organisations and institutions which we all value, owe in some part their existence to philanthropy. Many of our schools, libraries, hospitals, universities, churches, parks and gardens and community organizations are all indebted to philanthropy. In this lecture I will argue that philanthropy has played, and continues to play, three distinct and important roles in our region. First, it has been responsible for founding new organisations and institutions (social innovation), second it enhances the quality, capacity or capabilities of organisations and institutions (growth and development) and finally, it enables the delivery of services by charitable organisations (paying the bills). Drawing on research for our forthcoming book to be published next year by Bristol University Press, I will illustrate how the form and role of philanthropy has changed since the Norman conquest and how in an age of widening inequalities, it is perhaps more important than ever.

Michael is part of the team which is responsible for organising the Generosity Festival (https://www.generosityfestival.co.uk/). A series of events to celebrate the regions philanthropic heritage, taking place across the region between the 7^thand 27^thof November.