When Ian and his wife sold their business, they knew they wanted to give. Not just a little, but meaningfully and intentionally from the proceeds of the sale, and in a way that reflected their Christian faith and values.
Like many in a similar situation, their first thought was to set up a family charitable foundation. They started down the path, speaking to accountants and solicitors, exploring how to structure things properly for both long-term giving and tax effectiveness. But the deeper they went, the more overwhelming it became.
A heart to give, but no clear path
“It was already proving very daunting,” Ian shares. “We had a lack of knowledge in the philanthropic sector, and we were still running the business and managing the sale. Add to that the challenge of getting someone to understand our Christian beliefs and the way we wanted to approach giving… it was all adding to the fun!”
They started to feel the weight of making big decisions at exactly the wrong time — with too little experience, too much complexity and a growing risk that they might get something wrong.
A trusted partner for the journey
Then someone introduced them to Stewardship, and that introduction led them to the Philanthropy Fund — a solution that brought structure to their giving, without the complexity they’d feared.
“It felt like a weight had been lifted.”
Stewardship understood their faith, their hopes, and their desire to give well. No need to start from scratch, manage trustees or draft a mission statement under pressure. Instead, they had someone to walk with them, offering guidance, structure and reassurance at every step.
The complexities began to fall away. They didn’t have to set up their own charitable structure. There was no legal paperwork to manage, no need to reveal themselves as generous givers, and no bureaucratic delay.
Through the Philanthropy Fund, they found a structure that was already established and fully legal, rooted in shared Christian values. It offered flexibility, clarity and the confidence to give well without having to figure it all out themselves.
“It was a relief not to have to make big decisions when we had no experience and so many other pressures. Stewardship helped us avoid mistakes we might have made by going it alone.”
The confidence to give generously and wisely
As they’ve continued their giving journey, Ian and his wife have found the Philanthropy Fund to be more than just a practical solution. Stewardship has continued to be a trusted partner on their giving journey — offering collaboration, wisdom and practical support. From carrying out due diligence on charities, to providing a clear picture of gifts, balances, interest and fees, everything is visible and simple.
Conversations with their accountant around tax and Gift Aid have been made easier. And crucially, they’ve had someone to talk to about how best to give, advise on what others in a similar position are doing and what creative options are open to them.
They’ve found reassurance in knowing that their set-aside funds aren’t just sitting idle but are being used alongside others to fuel Gospel-focused work. They’ve been able to give anonymously where needed, and they’ve discovered new ideas, from causes they might never have come across, to ways of giving beyond straightforward grants, such as loans to churches and charities.
Looking ahead, Ian and his wife are excited about what’s next. They hope to meet others who share their heart for generous, Gospel-driven giving. People who are navigating similar decisions and asking the same questions about how to give wisely, faithfully and with impact.
For them, Stewardship and the Philanthropy Fund has become more than a means to an end. They have become a keen ally and partner, and a source of reassurance in what could have been an overwhelming aspect of their life.
Are you considering a foundation? Start a conversation with us
If you're looking to steward significant giving, you don't need to figure it out alone.
The Stewardship Philanthropy Fund offers the benefits of a foundation — flexibility, tax efficiency, and long-term impact — without the administrative burden. You also gain a trusted Christian partner who understands your values, provides expert support, and makes generosity easier to manage.
We'll walk with you, offering wisdom, structure and insight at every stage of your giving journey.
Let’s explore together what generosity could look like for you.
Be joyful and smart in your giving
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Morag Gillespie
Morag is Stewardship’s Head of Philanthropy, offering highly bespoke service to those establishing a charitable fund of £500,000+. In 2024, Morag oversaw more than £25m in grants and loans to charities and grew client numbers by 23%. Unique to Stewardship’s offering is the Donor Advisory Board, which involves friends, family and advisers in a wraparound philanthropy service, without the burden of trusteeship. Her team won ‘Best Philanthropy Initiative or Offering’ in the Wealth For Good Awards 2023.
Morag joined Stewardship in 2023 with a background in private family philanthropy advice and charity consultancy. She is ranked as a recommended adviser in the prestigious Spear's500 directory, is a member of Philanthropy Impact and holds a certificate in the Psychology of Philanthropy.
Personally and professionally, she enjoys helping people connect with their core identity and then experience the joy of authentic generosity. Morag worships at her local church and is passionate about social justice and releasing creativity.
