Natural Philanthropists: Findings of the Family Business Philanthropy and Social Responsibility Inquiry

Family businesses are more likely to support charitable activities than non-family businesses, and their

commitment to being philanthropic, socially responsible and good members of the community is

genuinely felt, deeply held and more robust. Clearly, family businesses have no monopoly on being

philanthropic or socially responsible, but their characteristic commitment to long-term stewardship,

stability and continuity means that a philanthropic and responsible outlook is frequently embedded in

their business. However, being “naturally philanthropic” involves both advantages and disadvantages:

these activities are more likely to be resilient if they are innate, but a lack of conscious cultivation can

sometimes mean they are not undertaken in a very structured or strategic way.