Give like you invest: how thoughtful philanthropy delivers greater impact for children
At a J.P. Morgan lunch in Manchester, SHINE CEO Fiona Spellman argues that philanthropy can be the risk capital of social progress.
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Philanthropy has the potential to create significant positive change in society by addressing complex social problems.
According to research by the Centre for Cities in 2024, £12.7 billion was donated to charity in the UK in 2022, which is equivalent to one fifth of local government income.
Through targeted donations and investments, philanthropic efforts can be used to empower communities, improve quality of life, and fund innovative solutions to systemic problems over the long-term.
Philanthropists offer not only vital funding but also invaluable experience and insights.
By contributing their time as well as money, philanthropists can learn about new challenges whilst applying their insights and knowledge from a different perspective.
Philanthropic giving is disproportionately focused on London and the South East, but the highest rates of deprivation are to be found outside of these regions.
Many philanthropists understandably seek to give to local causes, and given the concentration of affluence in London and the South East, the places where children are struggling most are often missing out.
We focus on the areas of the country where deprivation is most concentrated across the North East, North West and Yorkshire & Humber regions.
SHINE’s work is powered by philanthropy. From Sunderland, to Bradford, to backing teachers right across the North, we work with donors to find the right fit for them.
- We build relationships with philanthropists over time.
- We work to understand underlying motivations.
- We value donors’ expertise and perspectives.
- We connect philanthropists to the impact of their support.
We build bespoke relationships based on mutual trust and we aim to develop partnerships that can deliver long-term value for both sides.
Why we exist
SHINE exists to ensure a child's background or economic circumstances do not dictate their educational outcomes.
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What we do
How we tackle barriers to learning and unlock the potential of children in the North of England.
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Our impact
Since SHINE was established, we have invested more than £40 million in projects helping over a million children from thousands of schools.
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The Story Project Bradford
The groundbreaking Story Project Bradford has been made possible thanks to philanthropy
The project, which uses children’s books and stories to teach emotional and social skills, has seen pupils expanding their vocabulary for talking about feelings, learning practical ways to handle emotions, and growing more confident in discussing sensitive topics.
Early results show that storytelling can be a powerful way to help young pupils better understand their emotions, build empathy, and manage their feelings.
SHINE Sunderland
An ambitious 10-year city-wide initiative entirely funded by the generosity of philanthropists
This unique long-term partnership between SHINE, philanthropists and all 18 secondary schools in Sunderland is driving positive educational change.
Over the next decade, the SHINE Sunderland partnership will provide funding directly to secondary schools in the City of Sunderland to support work that removes barriers to learning and ensures all children in Sunderland can succeed in their secondary education and beyond.
Find out morePhilanthropy updates
The enduring legacy of teacher David Brown
David's family have chosen to support a SHINE reading project in his memory
In memoriam, News
Progress is possible, change can happen
SHINE CEO Fiona Spellman speaks at the Social mobility symposium 2025
Insight, News
SHINE welcomes Michaelene Welsh as new Trustee
Michaelene brings to SHINE 25 years of experience across educational institutions, non-profits, and charities.
News
