UK Government publishes new place-based philanthropy roadmap
South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF) has welcomed the publication of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Our Place to Give: a roadmap towards growing place-based philanthropy.
It sets out how the UK Government intends to grow philanthropy in England and build a positive culture of giving.
The roadmap recognises the importance of place‑based philanthropy as a way of connecting giving with local priorities, particularly in places that have historically received lower levels of investment.
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It acknowledges that place‑based approaches draw on local knowledge, long‑term relationships and trust. It highlights the role of locally rooted organisations in helping philanthropic capital connect with what communities need.
Community foundations have been embedded in places around the UK for 50 years.
SYCF is South Yorkshire’s largest local grant-giving charity and over the last 40 years has distributed more than £40m to grassroots groups, providing a vital lifeline to thousands of essential community projects across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.
Martin Singer, chief executive of SYCF, said:
We welcome the publication of this new roadmap which is an important step for place-based philanthropy. With formal recognition from the Government, it sets a direction of travel and recognises place‑based philanthropy as a way of connecting giving with local priorities.
Community foundations including SYCF are woven into the fabric of local infrastructure making us ideally positioned to support place‑based giving. As experts in place-based philanthropy, we are grounded in local knowledge, relationships and long‑term trust.
Further information on Our place to give is available on the UK Government website.
Meet Martin
Martin Singer is Chief Executive of South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, overseeing strategic growth and daily operations.
He joined SYCF in March 2025 and brings over 25 years’ leadership experience across the private and voluntary sectors. Martin is passionate about strengthening communities through philanthropy and partnership.
Alongside his executive career, Martin has maintained an active commitment to community development and governance, serving multiple charities from across South Yorkshire as a Trustee and Director.
Martin Singer
Chief Executive
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