The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s ‘Next Frontiers’ event in London, on July 11, gathered over a thousand people as traditional norms of philanthropy were challenged. 

Led by journalists Yuan Yang of the Financial Times and Hettie O’brien of the Guardian, the conference looked at a range of topics, sometimes deemed controversial in the sector, including philanthropy’s role in shaping responses to today’s crises, including colonial legacies and challenging philanthropic models deep-rooted in western capitalism.  

CEO of Lankelly Chase Julian Corner, among a panel of speakers discussing the need to transition away from a top-down approach, confirmed the decision to redistribute all its assets and close within a five-year timeframe. His decision drew applause from host Indy Johar, architect and co-founder of Dark Matter Labs, and the audience.  

Anna Birney, Director of the Forum for the Future’s School of System Change, hosted a panel looking at the idea of philanthropy transitioning away from a 400-year-old history into a new era and how best to reconsider the way we look at timeframes.  

Other topics of discussion included the ethics of investing, the psychological challenges of giving up wealth and a look at indigenous perspectives rooted in community wellbeing.  

The day also saw a ‘contracting corner’, aimed to disrupt contracting templates – that often load risk onto fundees and restrict long-term visions – with more intentional funding contract terms and conditions.