ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a brief history of fundraising, which outlines how long-held traditions of philanthropy are still impacting on funding and fundraising in the arts and cultural sector. It provides an overview of potential income streams, from statutory and earned income through to private income: charitable trusts and foundations, individuals and corporate giving. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, modern philanthropy has its roots in the ancient world, where philanthropic practices were built into early social and belief structures. Chinese classical thought, for example, exalted the virtue of benevolence, and Hindu scriptures called ‘giving’ an imperative duty. In the modern day, philanthropy has contributed to the development of many communities, towns and cities. Fundraising should always be about connecting donors with the cause and not seeing donors as a means to an end. When fundraising teams are under pressure to meet targets, within some charities, the fundraising process becomes systematised.
