Arts get a boost from major donors

The arts and culture have retained their position as the third most popular destination for charitable donations worth over £1m, according to the latest Coutts Million Pound report, which tracks the size, scale and recipients of donations of £1m or more. 232 donations of over £1m were made by 130 separate donors in 2010/11 – the highest number of donors and donations since Coutts began compiling this report in 2008 – though the total value of the donations fell to £1.2bn, down from £1.3bn the year before. £109m went to the cultural sector from 30 million-pound-plus donations, up significantly from 2009/10,  when only 21 large donations were made, worth £60m. This year’s report includes ‘top tips’ given by millionaires on how charities should approach them for donations. The list includes not spending a fortune on expensive events to attract wealthier donors, but offering an expert to talk about the charity’s work, which will be “more memorable than yet another flash dinner”. Donors also suggest flexibility in how feedback is given: “If they like facts, figures and statistics then explain the impact of their gift by providing data… If they prefer to hear stories about how their support has helped then share stories of the difference their support is making at a human level.” They appreciate being offered formal acknowledgement of their gifts, even if they prefer not to be publicly named.