What Have Charities Ever Done for Us?
The Stories Behind the Headlines
By Stephen Cook and Tania Mason
Published
Apr 13, 2021Page count
400 pagesISBN
978-1447359883Dimensions
216 x 138 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Apr 13, 2021Page count
400 pagesISBN
978-1447359890Dimensions
216 x 138 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Apr 13, 2021Page count
400 pagesISBN
978-1447359890Dimensions
216 x 138 mmImprint
Policy Press
What Have Charities Ever Done for Us?
In the media
On our blog: PODCAST: What have charities ever done for us?
On our blog: Charities in the culture wars
'Should popularity play a part in regulating charities?' in the DSC blog
When the coronavirus pandemic took hold early in 2020, charities were among the first to respond to the resulting social and economic distress. But recent scandals and a more critical climate have overshadowed the vital role they play.
What Have Charities Ever Done for Us? rebalances the debate, using case studies and interviews to illustrate how charities support people and communities, foster heritage and culture and pioneer responses to crucial social, ethical and environmental questions.
It also sets the historical context, examines cases that have attracted criticisms, analyses the political response and considers how the governance, transparency and independence of charities could be improved.
Charities at their best are the conscience of society and benefit most people at some point in their lives. This book brings to life the breadth and depth of their work and the contribution they make to social progress.
Stephen Cook is a journalist and author with extensive experience in national newspapers and magazines, including 18 years at The Guardian. He has published five novels and two non-fiction books.
Tania Mason is a journalist, copywriter, editor and events producer with more than 25 years’ experience across various industries, most recently charities and civil society. She currently edits Governance & Leadership magazine.
Introduction
PART 1 What are charities, and why do we argue
about them?
The many faces of charities
What has gone wrong?
‘Stick to your knitting’: the curbs on campaigning
PART 2 Changing the world
The health of the nation
Equality, slavery and human rights
Rights for women and gay liberation
Protecting animals and the natural world
PART 3 I mproving lives and communities
Local action and self-help
Supporting other people
The wider world
Community arts
PART 4 A junior partner in the welfare state?
Public service contracts
Reducing the burden on the state
Charities as pioneers
PART 5 Preserving the past, preparing for the future
Castles, canals and stately homes
Museums and the perils of charitable status
The minefield of charitable education
Pushing the boundaries of medicine and science
Part 6 The way ahead
Reviews and strategies
Charity governance: fit for purpose?
Coming clean with the public
The pursuit of independence
Postscript
