What Have Charities Ever Done for Us?: The Stories Behind the Headlines

Description

When the coronavirus pandemic took hold early in 2020, charities were among the first to respond to the resulting social and economic distress. But recent scandals and a more critical climate have overshadowed the vital role they play. What Have Charities Ever Done for Us? rebalances the debate, using case studies and interviews to illustrate how charities support people and communities, foster heritage and culture and pioneer responses to crucial social, ethical and environmental questions. It also sets the historical context, examines cases that have attracted criticisms, analyses the political response and considers how the governance, transparency and independence of charities could be improved. Charities at their best are the conscience of society and benefit most people at some point in their lives. This book brings to life the breadth and depth of their work and the contribution they make to social progress.

Stephen Cook is a journalist and author with extensive experience in national newspapers and magazines, including 18 years at The Guardian. He has published five novels and two non-fiction books. Tania Mason is a journalist, copywriter, editor and events producer with more than 25 years' experience across various industries, most recently charities and civil society. She currently edits Governance & Leadership magazine.

"This is a book that stands up for the third sector and gives a straight account of the things that damage its reputation... The book uses numerous concrete examples, bolstered by interviews, to emphasise the immense importance of NGOs and how it's no longer possible to imagine our world without them." Filantro Fundraising Echo