6th December 2022
On 6 December 2022, Prism the Gift Fund (Prism) collaborated with The Fore to host an evening with Lord Jim O’Neill. Together we welcomed more than 100 guests to the Great Hall of Two Temple Place, London. The event was introduced by Mary-Rose Gunn, Founder of The Fore, a charity which aims to empower and accelerate innovative young charities and social enterprises.
Lord O’Neill, a British Economist, former Conservative Government Minister, and former Chair of Goldman Sachs, gave a dynamic talk on his career and philanthropic journey which was both entertaining and inspiring. Lord O’Neill spoke about his early years at school and university, and of his work as co-founder of the educational charity SHINE, with many a Manchester United anecdote along the way. Lord O’Neill set up SHINE to promote educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in the North of England. He highlighted this experience as the most rewarding part of his professional and philanthropic career to date.
Anna Josse, Prism’s Founder, CEO, led a Q&A with Lord O’Neill and members of the audience, where he addressed the disparities between those in the best financial position to give charitably, and the harsh realities that many in this country face. His concluding remarks encouraging people to engage more with the world around them and to act when people are suffering, mirrors his own commitment to improve education for children living in deprived parts of the UK.
Before a short drinks reception Anna detailed the role of Prism in facilitating the philanthropic giving of individuals, groups, corporates, and foundations, highlighting the important role of Donor Advised and Collective Funds in helping increase the flow of funds into the sector by creating efficiencies.
