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For several decades DSC has published research on the funding programmes of trusts and foundations, companies and government agencies, and has consistently championed the cause of greater transparency in the information funders provide. The DSC Research Team, based in its Liverpool office and led by Tom Traynor, produces publications such as The Guide to the Major Trusts Volume 1 and The Guide to UK Company Giving, as well as information for DSC’s fundraising websites.
DSC also undertakes specific research as part of its policy and campaigning work, in particular in support of its Great Giving campaign, which seeks to improve funding practices. Ben Wittenberg and Jay Kennedy lead on DSC’s research that is related to policy and campaigning, authoring reports such as Critical Conditions [pdf document] and Ineligible Applications [pdf document].
In 2010, Dr Catherine Walker became DSC’s Head of Sector Trends, Evidence, Analysis and Metrics (STEAM), with a remit to expand DSC’s evidence base and output. Catherine has a PhD in Economic Psychology and is an expert in giving, having previously researched and authored books such as Charity Trends and A lot of Give.
Follow Dr Catherine Walker on Twitter (CatWalkerDSC).
The generation game: Is there really a generation gap in giving?
The Charities Aid Foundation's new report - 'Mind the Gap' - proposes that we are facing a calamitous generational deficit in charitable giving which must be urgently addressed. Dr Catherine Walker, DSC's Head of STEAM, examines the truth in this claim and highlights the dangers of (mis)interpreting data.
Download The generation game: Is there really a generation gap in giving? (218.79 Kb)
If the cap doesn't fit, give it up, George! (21st May 2012)
In my view as an Economic Psychologist the Budget 2012 proposal to put a cap on income tax reliefs for higher rate taxpayers, and including charitable tax reliefs, has been an unmitigated disaster for the Chancellor and the Government, but not necessarily for the reasons you might think. This paper explores why that is.
Download If the cap doesn't fit, give it up, George! (21st May 2012) (201.99 Kb)
UK corporate citizenship in the 21st century
What is the private sector’s role in society? Does it extend beyond creating employment, providing goods and services, and generating profit for shareholders? This report, produced by the Directory of Social Change and Cass Business School, provides a detailed overview of the latest trends across the UK corporate giving sector, and shows that UK business needs a new commitment to give more to communities and charities.
Download UK corporate citizenship in the 21st century (704.70 Kb)
Fair Trade (Civil Society May 2011)
Company giving can come in many different forms, but it doesn't always offer maximum benefits to charities. DSC senior researcher and author Denise Lillya picks apart trends in corporate giving and warns fundraisers what to watch out for.
Big Society in the Middle East: Could Big Society be both cause and cure of the Arab revolutions? (May 2011)
As the Arab Spring turns into a summer melting pot it might be time to consider what significance it might have not just for world politics and peace, but for those of us working in the voluntary sector in the UK. This unique research report looks at how national indicators of wellbeing and “Big Society” (measured by civic participation) can predict unrest in the Middle East, and how it could also indicate the cure. DSC’s Head of STEAM Dr Catherine Walker considers the evidence.
A ‘Feel-Good Giving Campaign’ may need to wait (DSC response to the Giving green paper March 2011)
Is it possible to achieve a step change in individual giving in the UK? With individual giving remaining remarkably stable over the last 20 years, it’s certainly time for new thinking on the subject, says Dr Catherine Walker, DSC’s Head of Sector Trends, Evidence, Analysis & Metrics.
All Part of the Plan (November 2009 the Source (UK Youth) )
In an edited extract from a new DSC fundraising guide, 'Youth Funding Guide' , DSC Senior Researcher Denise Lillya looks at some of the key elements of a fundraising strategy.
Download All Part of the Plan (November 2009 the Source (UK Youth) ) (257.48 Kb)
Beyond state funding (July 2009 Public Sector Executive)
Public spending cutbacks mean that many individuals in need are struggling to receive statutory support for anything that is considered peripheral or not deemed a basic necessity. They may have been supported in the past but the economic squeeze has deposited them on the margins of public care. The good news is there is an alternative, says DSC Researcher Sarah Johnson.
Download Beyond state funding (July 2009 Public Sector Executive) (302.54 Kb)
Dazed and Confused (July 2009 Arts Professional)
DSC Project Manager, Amy Rosser, finds that most government guidelines for the arts and cultural sector are riddled with jargon and rhetoric, and suggests some simple steps to clarify things.
Download Dazed and Confused (July 2009 Arts Professional) (11.45 Mb)
Pop-up Policy - New Law Journal Winter 2012 Charities Appeals Supplement
Paying trustees is a recurring policy issue for the charity sector says Jay Kennedy.
Download Pop-up Policy - New Law Journal Winter 2012 Charities Appeals Supplement (3.28 Mb)