Organisations have queued up to point out areas that the Philanthropy Review has not addressed, with the Institute of Fundraising leading the way.

In a press statement, the Institute said the Review “fails to reference the central role of fundraising in generating income for charities”.

It said that while the Review makes recommendations on how giving should be simplified and encouraged, it “lacks practical detail on how the roles of fundraisers can help to affect this change”.

Louise Richards, director of policy and campaigns at the Institute, added: “Without considered and careful investment in professional fundraising techniques, supported by the necessary joined up thinking from government, charities will never benefit fully from the effects of the culture of encouraging philanthropy in the UK.”

The Institute did however say that it agrees on the need for more evidence-based research in the sector, and supports the call for the government to increase the cap on reclaiming gift aid on small cash donations from £5,000 to £50,000.

Broad range of altruism

Meanwhile, Henny Braund, chief executive of the stem cell donation charity Anthony Nolan, welcomed the report but said it did not take a broad enough view of altruism.

“There is something missing from the forms of altruism addressed by both the government and the Philanthropy Review. The hole in the plan is that giving is perceived in only terms of time and money.

“Good causes need a broad range of altruistic activity to succeed.  For Anthony Nolan, people willing to donate blood stem cells are imperative to the successful achievement of our goal to find a matching donor for every blood cancer patient who need a stem cell transplant.”

Elsewhere, Polly Gowers, CEO of Everyclick, argued that technology and innovation have been bypassed by the report.

“This Philanthropy Review report is great and the initiatives outlined, such as increasing education in schools and simplifying payroll giving, are great steps in the right direction.

“But I feel it bypasses social entrepreneurship and technological factors that could make a world of difference. For example, online shopping provides an opportunity to create new revenue streams for charities.”