Thirty-three philanthropists, who have collectively given more than £100m, have been honoured for their commitment to giving in an awards ceremony in London last night.

Philanthropists ranging from Harry Potter author JK Rowling (pictured) to City philanthropist John Stone were recognised as Beacon Fellows, in the 8th annual Beacon Awards for Philanthropy held at Mansion House last night.

JK Rowling, recognised for the work of her foundation the Volant Charitable Trust, said the Beacon Awards were validation and encouragement for thoughtful philanthropy.

“None of us who are privileged in our daily lives and fortunate enough to have more money than we need should require a pat on the back for the act of giving, but we do need help to spread the word that responsible giving can make a difference; to individuals and communities, locally, nationally and internationally,” she said.  

It is estimated that the 33 individuals honoured have given more than £100m to good causes, and raised an additional £21m.

Fellows were awarded in seven categories, which included for the first time a specific award for ‘City Philanthropy’. Alderman Roger Gifford, Lord Mayor of the City of London, said that a tradition of valuing endowed capital and strong tax and charity law has meant London is an international hub for philanthropic foundations, and said such awards “can inspire others and maximise the impact of philanthropic giving”.

The awards, which are put on by the Beacon Fellowship and JP Morgan Private Bank, are sponsored by the City Bridge Trust and the Pears Foundation.

Award winners

Beacon Award for City Philanthropy

• Harvey McGrath - Chair of the education charity, the Prince’s Teaching Institute
• John Stone – Founder of the Stone Family Foundation
• 2011/12 Young Philanthropy Syndicate founders (Michael Harris, Adam Pike, Sam Cohen, Alex Dwek, Alex Gardner, Paul Gorrie, Niccolo Manzoni, Jack Prevezer, Conor Quinn)

Beacon Award for Targeted Philanthropy

• Paul Marshall - Co-founder and trustee of global children’s charity ARK
• Gordon Morrison - Chairman of Sargent Cancer Care for Children  
• J.K. Rowling OBE – Founder of the Volant Charitable Trust

The Beacon Award for Philanthropy Advocate

• Angila Chada & Michael McKibbin - Ambassadors for the Community Foundation NI
• Harris Bokhari – National advisory board member for the HRH Prince of Wales charity Mosaic
• Sir Thomas Hughes-Hallett – Ex-chief executive of Marie Curie Cancer Care
• Kavita Oberoi - Chair of the Global Girls’ Fund Board

Beacon Award for Place-Based Philanthropy

• Nick Ferguson CBE & Jane Ferguson – Founders of the Kilfinan Trust
• Jack Morris OBE - Chairman of the Business Design Centre Group

The Beacon Award for Cultural Philanthropy

• Carol Colburn Grigor CBE – Manages her family-founded Dunard Fund
• Lloyd Dorfman CBE – Member of the NT Board
• Sir Vernon Ellis - Chairman of the National Opera Studio, president of English National Opera, chair of the British Council, president of the Classical Opera Company, former trustee of the Royal College of Music and RCM Fellow

The Beacon Award for Impact Investment

• Sir Ronald Cohen - Chair, Big Society Capital; former chair, Social Investment Task Force; former chair Commission on Unclaimed Assets; co-founder and former Chair, Bridges Ventures; and fo-founder and former director, Social Financial UK.
• Nick O’Donohoe - CEO of Big Society Capital and on the board of the Global Impact Investing Network
• John Pontin OBE & Wendy Stephenson – founders of Converging World charity

Beacon Award for Pioneering Philanthropy

• Richard Bradbury CBE – Fundamental supporter of the charity Scope
• Stephen Dawson OBE - Co-founder of Impetus Trust
• Michael Norton OBE – Founder of over 40 charities including Youthbank and www.buzzbnk.org
• Marcelle Speller OBE – founder of Localgiving.com

Four special awards for the highest standards of philanthropy in the UK

• Sir Vernon Ellis
• Harvey McGrath - Chair of the education charity, the Prince’s Teaching Institute
• J.K. Rowling OBE
• John Stone