Professor Beth Breeze OBE
We talk to Professor Beth Breeze OBE about her research into why people give and what does philanthropy mean for our future prosperity
Professor Beth Breeze OBE is one of the UK’s foremost thinkers on philanthropy and fundraising and a lifelong champion of the power of generosity to shape a better society.
Recently appointed Principal of Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Beth leads an institution founded on widening access and alternative routes to academia. Established in 1786 as a 'dissenting academy' and later known as Manchester College, it became a full Oxford college in 1996. Today it remains the University’s only college dedicated exclusively to mature students and a fitting home for a leader whose career has been defined by expanding opportunity in a university system which has philanthropy running through its DNA.
Before entering academia, Beth spent a decade on the frontline of fundraising. That experience shaped her life’s work as she raised funding and learned first hand why people give, how charities can build trust, and how philanthropy operates at the intersection of money and morals. She talks about the purpose and role of a fundraiser in this episode of our podcast.
During more than 20 years at the University of Kent, she established the UK’s largest centre for philanthropy research, launching degree programmes, apprenticeships and open-access learning designed to professionalise and strengthen the charitable sector. Her mission was simple but radical: if charities are tasked with solving society’s toughest problems, they deserve the same intellectual and institutional support as business or government.
Her latest book, Rich Expectations, co-authored with Theresa Lloyd and Dr Rhodri Davies published by the Directory of Social Change, explores how wealthy donors understand their role in society. Drawing on a unique longitudinal study spanning more than two decades, the research reveals that philanthropy is not merely transactional, it is deeply tied to an individual's identity, responsibility and purpose.
Key insights from Beth’s work include:
- Philanthropy is central to many donors’ sense of self not just what they have, but who they are and how they achieved wealth and success.
- Expectations shape giving on all sides: donors, charities, government and society often operate with unspoken assumptions.
- The future of philanthropy is becoming more inclusive, more female-led, more advised and more intentional.
- Fundraisers play a catalytic role in building the relationship with their organisation but the best ones are quiet, sometimes invisible and always “choreographing generosity.”
Throughout the conversation, Beth challenges narrow definitions of philanthropy. For her, it is not confined to the wealthy. The word itself means “love of humankind.” Money matters as does time, expertise, agency and courage.
As debates grow louder around inequality, wealth, power and public trust, Beth calls for a more balanced narrative to augment the good news around impact that is happening in the world. This should be focused on recognising legitimate concerns while also celebrating those who choose to give. Her belief is clear that prosperity flourishes in cultures that value and normalise philanthropy.
Why she’s a Changemaker
Beth's work has built the intellectual and institutional foundations that allow fundraising and philanthropy to thrive. By professionalising fundraising, interrogating power, and leading an Oxford college rooted in access and inclusion, Beth Breeze is reshaping how we understand the role of philanthropy in modern society.
At the heart of her work is a simple but powerful conviction that collaboration between citizens, charities, business and the state is essential. Philanthropy and the impact economy remain an essential part of the task to deal with some of our toughest societal problems.
It was a real honour to catch up with Beth from her base in Oxford in between fire alarms and hear about her continued progress and purpose driven work. Please enjoy this episode of the podcast and marks the beginning of our journey into the role of philanthropy in the UK as we demystify what this is and who actually holds the power.
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