Conference highlights

• See clips from the conference

Wednesday 9 September

• Keynote address: Dame Stephanie Shirley, Ambassador for Philanthropy, shared her views with delegates on why grassroots philanthropy matters and her personal experience of giving. "The more I give away, the richer my life seems to become."

Read Dame Stephanie Shirley's speech.

Watch footage of Dame Stephane Shirley
Clip 1 (9m:33)
Clip 2 (9m:33)
Clip 3 (8m:57)
Clip 4 (7m:42)
Clip 5 (6m:28)
Clip 6 (5m:20)

• Keynote address: Grassroots philanthropy - the strategic context. Martin Brookes, CEO, New Philanthropy Capital. Read his speech
• Keynote address: The RT Hon Angela Smith MP, Minister for the Third Sector. Read her speech
• Keynote address: Grassroots philanthropy and civil society. Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive, NCVO, sets out a vision of the good society. Read his speech

Thursday 10 September

• Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the Charity Commission for England and Wales, shared her views on the work undertaken by community foundations to enhance effectiveness in the sector. "Knowledge is power. Small is beautiful. Local is valued. The combination is tremendous."

Read Dame Suzi's speech

• Grassroots Philanthropy and Community Foundations. Matthew Bowcock, Chair of CFN, looked at grassroots community philanthropy and announced CFN's key developments for the next three years. "This is, fundamentally, what community foundations are all about – building compassionate communities."

Read Matthew Bowcock's speech

More information

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• Finding UK community foundations Find out more about your local community foundation
• Quality Accreditation How community foundations demonstrate quality and accountability
• Community Foundation Network (CFN) The role of the national association
• Frequently asked questions about community foundations and CFN
• Looking for funding? Essential information for community groups
• History Landmarks in the development of UK community foundations
• Links to information on the wider community foundation movement and philanthropy, and press coverage of community foundations