Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy: A sounding board

The Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy exists to grow meaningful philanthropy around the world, “using science to create more memorable giving experiences.” Based in Plymouth, it’s the successor to the Centre for Sustainable Philanthropy, which was based at Plymouth University. 

The Institute’s work focuses on philanthropic psychology, which consciously moves the focus away from the money involved and concentrates instead on the delivery of personal wellbeing, which they see as an essential precursor to effective, fulfilling and sustained financial giving.

Our relationship

We began our relationship with Professors Adrian Sargeant and Jen Shang, the husband and wife founders of the Institute, back in 2014, when we were creating a social purpose programme for Woodford Investment Management.

That programme turned out to be the foundation for Skylark’s existence and the input given by Jen and Adrian was not only an important contribution to our overall thinking but formed the basis of a professional friendship which has continued to this day.

What do we do?

The Institute’s movement to independence from the university brought the founders face to face with the realities of running a charity – with all the strategic, managerial, and operational thinking that involves.

Although no formal agreement exists, Skylark has been on hand to offer guidance and be an open-minded sounding board at important moments throughout their development.

It’s a conversational, informal arrangement that works well for everyone involved and, according to Jen, has been very useful at some critical points on their journey.

What’s the impact?

Jen feels the ease of communication and the informality in our relationship explains its success.

“Like everyone else running a small business, there are times where I need to be able to discuss options with people I trust and respect.

And the thing about Skylark is that I know they care about the success of what we do in just the same way we do.

Their questioning is always relevant and searching but sympathetically delivered and they operate in such a way that allows me to reach conclusions for myself rather than to be force-fed them. They take their lead from us and the conversations are always enjoyable as well as intense!

I think of them as being part of the heart and brain of our operation and believe we could not have achieved some of our impact without their support, care, wisdom and encouragement.

We are now working with multiple clients in exactly the way they suggested and I believe there will be many organisations who can benefit from the discipline of Philanthropic Psychology in the way they helped us envision.” 

Our ongoing support of the Institute demonstrates the value in being able to call on trusted, impartial advisers when running a charity or social enterprise. It’s one of the more nuanced elements of our work, but one that has a vital impact.

More about the Institute

You can find out more about The Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy on their website.

Working with Skylark

We hope that everyone who works with us will have the same experience as Professor Jen Shang – where we deliver support that’s valuable but also enjoyable and meaningful.

We’re only a call or email away. We’d really love to hear from anyone who thinks we could help and from anyone who thinks they might like to support us!