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Take a look at the latest opinion pieces from the Cause4 team.

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Pick of the Month - February 2021

2nd February, 2021 | By Edward Drew

As we refocus and rebuild from 2020, we spoke to four people who are shaping the sector. From a Charity Leader who is connecting asylum seekers and English language volunteers, to a Trustee leading a student union through Covid-19.  

Topics: 
Current interest

Charity Commission Chair weighs in on the ethics of charitable donations

17th November, 2023 | By Rebecca Ward

Many will have seen the article published by the Guardian on the 9th November, in which the current Chair of the Charity Commission weighs in on the debate regarding the ethics of accepting or refusing charitable donations. The article recalls how he recently challenged trustees who may be refusing charitable donations on the basis that their own “personal worldviews or preferences” are incompatible with those of the donor – be the donor a corporation, wealthy philanthropist, or trust. The comments are a warning to trustees that, if they are rejecting donations, they must have a very good reason for doing so.

Charity Commission Chair weighs in on the ethics of charitable donations

17th November, 2023 | By Rebecca Ward

Many will have seen the article published by the Guardian on the 9th November, in which the current Chair of the Charity Commission weighs in on the debate regarding the ethics of accepting or refusing charitable donations. The article recalls how he recently challenged trustees who may be refusing charitable donations on the basis that their own “personal worldviews or preferences” are incompatible with those of the donor – be the donor a corporation, wealthy philanthropist, or trust. The comments are a warning to trustees that, if they are rejecting donations, they must have a very good reason for doing so.

Pick of the Month – October 2023

4th October, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

October's Pick of the Month feature some brilliant work across the arts and social sector, with some bold leaders doing great work to build better eqaulity, diversity and inclusion in their sectors. We're delighted to spotlight them and share their insight and experience with you!

Celebrating 10 Years of TLP – An Interview with Guest Speaker, Abiodun Olatokun

22nd September, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

As part of our celebration of 10 years of the Trustee Leadership Programme, we reached out to some of our guest speakers to gain their insights into charity governance. We interviewed Abiodun Olatokun, a Human Rights Lawyer and Advisory Board Member at Action for Trustee Racial Diversity UK. 

Topics: 
#Leadership #Governance #Charity #Nonprofit #Training #Trustee #Trustee_training
Current interest
Support and advice

Pick of the Month – September 2023

13th September, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

This month, we've got a real range of organisations represented by each of our Picks – from diving heritage to South Asian arts! September's Picks are united in their commitment to positive change in their respective sectors. We had some really insightful conversations this month, with some great nuggets of wisdom for you to reflect on.

10 Years of TLP – An Interview with Michelle Wright

31st August, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

This month, Cause4 are celebrating 10 years of the Trustee Leadership Programme, which was launched in 2013 to address the lack of effective and engaging governance training in the sector and seek to answer the question: “How can I become an effective charity trustee?

To kick-off this month of celebrations, we decided to interview the programme founder, Michelle Wright, to understand why she started the programme in the first place, and what she envisions for the future of trusteeship. 

Topics: 
#Leadership #Governance #Charity #Nonprofit #Training #Trustee #Trustee_training

LGBTQIA+ Communities, Governance and the Charity Sector

31st August, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

The benefits of a more diverse charity sector, amongst donors, charity staff and Grantmakers alike, is well known. It allows for a larger talent pool for recruitment, new perspectives, more astute decision-making and a general improvement in performance via increased engagement and trust. Are we doing enough to engage LGBTQIA+ Trustees?

Topics: 
#Leadership #Governance #Charity #Nonprofit #Training #Trustee #Trustee_training
Current interest
Support and advice

Women-led governance and leadership – an ongoing area for improvement

17th August, 2023 | By Rebecca Ward

Many women make up the workforce within the charity sector, but not all women go on to leadership roles; according to Clara Miller, “two-thirds of charity sector employees are women, but less than a quarter go on to become Chief Execs”. Additionally, there are concerns as to whether enough women are occupying board positions in both corporate and charity governance. 

Pick of the Month – August 2023

1st August, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

August's Pick of the Month explores sectors from sport to wellbeing with leaders, trustees and entrepreneurs working hard to create change for communities and individuals alike. Despite each of our Picks working in very different areas, they all highlighted the value of curiosity and patience in the professional journey. Take a read of the full piece to gain more insight from each Pick – we admire all of their work and experience!

Thanking your donors – why it’s important

11th July, 2023 | By Rebecca Ward

Having a large pool of donors committed to your cause in the long term is a dream for all charities, but  more than 60% of nonprofits don’t thank their benefactors properly whether slow, impersonal or well, not at all. It is essential for your organisation to show gratitude to your supporters if you hope to retain them.

Pick of the Month – July 2023

3rd July, 2023 | By Lucy Pratt

We're back with another selection of 'Picks' doing remarkable work across the charity sector – from arts and health to support for the homeless. Take a read to get inspired by their journeys... Each individual has been committed, creative and persevering in their work, making a significant impact and influence along the way!

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