“OCF have been a pleasure to deal with: efficient, effective, and prompt in their communications, and understanding when problems or delays have impeded our progress, for which we are very grateful. The work they are doing in our county is first-class, reaching into all areas of the community.”
“‘Stuff’ really is not what brings happiness. Family, friends, good health and the satisfaction that comes from making a positive difference are what really matters.”
“I give for a mixture of motives: I do it to make my life more interesting; I do it to make myself feel a better person. I do it because I can; to have the pleasure associated with mixing with the people whose fields I support. I do it for the dream of actually achieving something!”
“When you become wealthy and you have a lot of money, you’re starting to think about giving it away on a slightly industrial scale! Even if you give away the same percentage as ordinary people, you’re giving away larger sums of money so the way you’re going to do it is different.”
“I’ve lived in Oxfordshire for many years, and feel I’ve benefited greatly from being in such a thriving and interesting place. Leaving a legacy to OCF in my will is my way of repaying this – and I also trust that they will understand exactly where funds are needed in years to come. Having seen small voluntary sector groups come and go, I find this longevity very reassuring.”
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
“It’s really important to tell the world about what you’re doing. You’ll be naturally quiet and modest, and it’s not very British, but it is very important, so put your modesty aside, tell the world what you’re doing, because they’ll be interested!”
“You should focus. You can’t change the whole world, but you might want to focus on one little piece of the world that you can change, and I think if you put a lot of time and energy into that one thing, you’re going to be much more effective.”
“Every act of philanthropy touches a life. Deprivation is not destiny. If you come from a disadvantaged background, you just need to be given an
opportunity.”
“I feel passionately that so many more people could be philanthropists and are a bit afraid of it. What we need to do as Beacon Fellows is go out there and talk about it. One of the things I want to do is to share the joy that I’ve had!”