Inequality in Britain is on the rise. Does this matter? Should we be bothered that the rich give proportionately much less than the poor? And that only a small minority of the very wealthy are giving generously? Ninety per cent of NHS trusts are restricting routine operations. Youth unemployment is at record levels. Meanwhile, those on the Sunday Times Rich List have increased their wealth by 280 per cent since the turn of the millennium, amidst press reports of massive tax avoidance. For the first time in living memory, children cannot expect to be as well off as their parents. Wealth and privilege is under scrutiny. Giving is Good for You demonstrates that growing inequality and poverty is a threat to everyone - even the wealthy - and that the most unequal societies are the most dysfunctional, unhealthy and violent. The generous minority are urging their peers to follow suit, arguing that in addition to enhancing public benefit as public spending falls, giving can be personally fulfilling, particularly for those who realise that money is not the key to human happiness. The author asks philanthropists, charities and those they support what should be done to encourage us to give more of our money and more of our time to good causes. The solutions they propose will challenge us all, but particularly the wealthy elite and the government.

About the Author
John Nickson is one of Britain's most experienced fundraising directors. He was head of fundraising for The British Council, English National Opera, The Royal Academy of Arts and Tate. He also has experience as a donor, trustee, mentor and adviser to education, arts and development charities for over thirty-five years. He is a member of the governing Council of The Royal College of Music. Born in 1947 in Lancashire, educated in Yorkshire and at University College London, where he read Anthropology, John Nickson believes passionately that giving is what everyone should do for reasons of personal fulfilment as well as for any moral obligation towards others.

Reviews
Spread the word - giving money away feels good. In fact, it is exhilarating. And it changes lives. John Nickson knows more about philanthropy than anyone I know and explains that altruism and generous acts of giving are vital to ethical societies. Helena Kennedy QC [A] fascinating book... a completely beguiling combination of rage and gossip. It's good stuff: we should read it and then talk across parties about how we can help create a society where rich people give as big a part of their income as poor people do. The House John Nickson's wisdom, gained from personal and professional experiences and his desire to build a better society are evident throughout this book making it well worth reading... The book offers many inspiring stories, celebrating remarkable individuals and their giving... So who should read this book? Whilst this book is UK centric, it offers something for anyone interested in learning more about philanthropy. Private client and charity advisors will find the book supports their work with clients. Charity leaders, trustees and chief executives, as well as their development teams will find the book provides a treasure trove of useful information and it may prompt consideration of the question, what can we do better? Philanthropists and people who are thinking about giving money to charities will be encouraged by the frankness of the stories and thoughtful comments presented throughout. Sue Daniels, Philanthropy Impact "John Nickson's 'Giving is Good for You' is, thankfully, not another jargon-filled academic text, but an impassioned polemic against those non-philanthropic rich, that aims to encourage them to give through the experiences and words of those who enjoy philanthropy, including the author's own... [T]he book is a rational and reasoned manifesto for giving and its joyful returns, with lots of helpful insight for fundraisers, charities and philanthropists alike." City Philanthropy



Book Information
ISBN 9781849545204
Author John Nickson
Format Hardback
Page Count 368
Imprint Biteback Publishing
Publisher Biteback Publishing