communities

Philanthropy and a better society

This report has been compiled in the light of the importance attached by government to the role of increased giving and philanthropy in achieving stronger communities and active citizenship.

Working within the Centre for Charitable Giving and Philanthropy (CGAP), a centre dedicated to the study of giving and philanthropy, CGAP’s researchers felt it was important to highlight research findings that would cast light on the nature of philanthropy in our society today, how it relates to the needs and ideals of Big Society, and the emerging implications for policy and practice.

Evaluation of national citizen service pilots: interim report

Report that presents the findings of the independent evaluation of the pilot of NCS in 2011. The evaluation involved: a series of case studies assessing what worked in the delivery and implementation of the programme; before and after surveys with NCS participants and a comparable group of non-participating 16 year olds to measure the impact of the programme; and economic analysis of the costs and benefits of the programme.

Oxfam humankind index: the new measure of Scotland's prosperity

The goal of the Oxfam Humankind Index for Scotland is to assess Scotland’s prosperity through a holistic and more representative measure of progress, beyond the dominant economic model which relies on Gross Domestic Product as the main indicator. The Oxfam Humankind Index measures the real wealth of Scotland – what really matters to the people of Scotland.

What makes us healthy? The asset approach in practice: evidence, action, evaluation

Paper that builds on an earlier publication ‘A glass half-full: how an asset approach can improve community health and wellbeing’. It promotes different ways of engaging local communities in co-producing local solutions and reducing health inequalities.

The paper argues that asset principles help us to understand what gives us health and wellbeing. It makes the case for developing ways of working that protect and promote the assets, resources, capacities and circumstances associated with positive health for everyone.

Poverty and the Big Society: views from the community sector

E-pamphlet to stimulate debate within the voluntary and community sector about the Big Society and its potential for delivering greater social justice and reducing poverty.

It is made up of six contributions which emerged from a roundtable discussion with some 16 organisations, organised by NPI in November 2011, with various community groups and grantmaking charities.