It’s easy to make grants,
but actually changing things is harder.

I work with philanthropists, foundations and change-makers who want to use funding more effectively, so that they can change society for the better.

My approach gives funders, campaigners, charities and political parties the insight, expertise and connections they need to challenge the status quo.

Photo by Mark Thomas

Funding is only one part of the picture.

What really makes a difference is how funding connects to the wider forces that shape change: politics, law, campaigns and institutions.

My approach brings two decades of experience across philanthropy and media, alongside close ties to the political and legal worlds, to help people: think more clearly, act more strategically, and connect their work to the conditions that shape change.

How I help

I work with people who want to use resources, influence or platforms more effectively in pursuit of social change.

I help philanthropists and foundations think more clearly about funding strategies, so they can make more deliberate decisions about where to focus, what to back, and how to make funding go further.

Sharpen funding strategy


Shape ideas into initiatives


I help turn early thinking into foundations, funds or campaigns that are practical, credible and designed to deliver long-term, sustainable impact.

Build the right relationships


I help people build relationships around the work, connecting them to relevant peers, partners and expertise.

Working through complex or sensitive issues


I support organisations dealing with politically difficult or high-risk situations, where judgement, language and timing matter.

Recent work

Selected advisory work

Liberty

Special advisor to the UK’s leading civil rights organisation since January 2026.

World of Philanthropy

Non-Executive Director leading the international expansion of the growing media title. Author of ‘Give and Take’ philanthropy column.

Fondation de France &
University of Geneva

Chairing panels and expert workshops at the European Academy of Strategic Philanthropy CEO's gatherings in 2022/24/26.

Pears Foundation

My first job and formative experience in philanthropy - Executive Director of Pears Foundation.

Disrupt Foundation

One to one mentoring, advice and support to the incoming CEO.

Changing Ideas

Advising the foundation and building a coherent portfolio of initiatives, projects and grants.

Law for Change funds legal actions in the public interest tackling injustices and holding government, public bodies and companies to account when they mis-use their power. Law for Change has backed over 100 cases since its inception in 2023 some with profound and far reaching implications.

Initiatives I’ve co-founded

The Tenacious Awards provide funding and support to public interest campaigners and journalists working with true tenacity to right an injustice or expose a story. The £20,000 award and associated support gives campaigners and journalists the freedom to do what they do best.

Case studies

  • “I value every conversation I have with Charles. He is kind and generous with his advice and the wisdom he has offered me as the founder of a new nonprofit has been vital. He not only understands the philanthropy sector inside out, he is trusted by so many within it, thanks to his reputation for integrity and hard work over many years.”

    —Kat Sladden, Founder, Breakthrough Impact

Contact me

If you want your philanthropy to change society for the better, drop me a line: