Mandatory payout levels for foundations would, in David Emerson’s view, be a grave mistake.

The Conservative Party met with various trusts and foundations early last year and asked whether, in light of the Budget deficit, they would be willing to help fund the early years of its prisoner reoffending policy until the savings started to materialise.

In April, the Association of Charitable Foundations conducted a survey of its members to explore the prospects for grantmaking in the short and longer-term. The results paint a broadly positive picture for charities seeking funding, says David Emerson.