Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships announced
New Director brings focus on big donors and big business to Save the Children
Thursday 24 January 2008
Save the Children is hoping to benefit from the latest trends in the charity world by creating a new role of Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships.
The new appointment will maximise the opportunities that have accompanied the emergence of a new generation of hands-on philanthropists, increased corporate engagement and modern charitable foundations. The role is one of the first of its kind in the charity sector, reflecting the demand from motivated donors for charities to be more business-like and demonstrate tangible returns on the investment made by major supporters.
Working in collaboration with partners, both businesses and individuals, is essential for Save the Children. The charity knows that making the most of the involvement, enthusiasm, ideas and advice of its donors is the most effective way to make a real difference.
The announcement of this appointment comes at a time when more and more major donations are coming from living donors rather than traditional sources of income such as legacies.
The position has been awarded to Caroline Underwood, who has been CEO of The Philanthropy Company for five years. The company provides expertise and strategy to not-for-profit clients in the cultural and higher education sectors. She has also held directorships at the University of the Arts and the Royal Court Theatre.
Save the Children's chief executive, Jasmine Whitbread, said: "Charities need to change. Gone are the days when we would just take the money and run. Donors want to be involved in the decisions that we make with their money and our aim is to inspire them to join us in our fight to make dramatic change for children. We want them to become as passionate about our mission as we are.
"In order to achieve real breakthroughs for children around the world Save the Children has recognised that we must tap into the expertise, experience and generosity, of these modern hands-on philanthropists, corporates and trusts. Only by working collaboratively with them can we hope to achieve the dramatic change we are all fighting for."
"Caroline will be a real boost to our board of directors, bringing a different set of skills from a different sector. She has the vision, direction and expertise we need to develop our relationships with partners as we work with them to achieve our ambitious plans for children."
Caroline will join Save the Children in March.
She said: "I am inspired by the vision and commitment of Save the Children and the opportunity to engage donors and major supporters with its work.
"What could be a more important fundraising imperative than seeking to improve the lives of children?"
-ENDS-
For more information please contact Save the Children's Media Unit on 020 7012 6841 or 07831 650 409 (out-of-hours).
