Courageous Philanthropy: Reflections from the 2025 GPC Retreat in Sussex
Courageous Philanthropy: Reflections from the 2025 GPC Retreat in Sussex
Set against the quiet beauty of the Sussex countryside, our GPC community gathered this autumn to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with what gives our work meaning. Under the theme Courageous Philanthropy, we explored not only what we do as changemakers, but who we are becoming. What emerged over our days together was a shared recognition that courageous philanthropy is less a strategy and more a way of being - one rooted in presence, reflection, and heart.
Redefining Courage, Reframing Philanthropy
Throughout the retreat, courage took on new meaning: we defined it not fearlessness, but as action rooted in the heart (from the French word “cœur,” as GPC member Michael Lunt reminded us). It is something that grows over time, through vulnerability and persistence.
In the same vein, we acknowledged that courageous philanthropy is not transactional giving — it is an expression of love and interconnectedness. Not a destination, but a way of being - walking with heart, and holding one another with compassion along the way.
Healing from the inside out
Together, we explored the idea that the crises we face today are not only social or political, but signs of a deeper crisis of consciousness. As GPC member Valerie Janssen noted during a quietly powerful conversation, true transformation begins within. When we cultivate awareness, compassion, and balance in ourselves, philanthropy becomes an act of healing that can unlock our collective capacity to shape a regenerative future. Synergos founder Peggy Dulany invited us to contemplate the integration of the inner masculine and feminine energies, recognising that the healing of our internal landscapes mirrors the healing we seek in the world. This inner rebalancing is not a luxury; qualities such as empathy, intuition, and care are strategic capacities for our time. Without inner alignment, even our most well-intentioned efforts risk recreating the very systems we hope to change.
Next Generation & Collective Leadership
Next-generation philanthropists Shruti Shibulal and Becky Holmes shared their stories of inheritance and purpose and reminded us that genuine impact grows from authenticity. Later, Jason Arthur, CEO of Mission 44, invited us to move beyond the myth of the “heroic leader” and toward a model of collective leadership - one that shares power, empowers others, and invites collaboration across generations and communities. It was a call to lead with humility rather than hierarchy, and to recognise that lasting change is always co-created.
A Place to Be: Moments of Presence & Connection
Between these conversations, we made space to return to presence. We practiced Taiji at sunrise with GPC member Chun Dong, wandered through quiet forest paths, rested in restorative yoga nidra, and shared poetry, laughter, and moments of deep companionship. These practices grounded us and reminded us of the simple strength of being held — by nature, by silence, and by one another.
As we departed, many of us held the image of the magnificent Big Rhodey - the 120 years old rhododendron that is believed to be one of the oldest in the UK - standing regal at the entrance of our venue. With its deep, ancient roots and expansive canopy, it offered a living metaphor for our community: that we grow stronger when rooted together, nourished by shared purpose, reciprocity, and belonging.
What we discovered in Sussex is that courageous philanthropy is a lifelong practice balancing inner work with outer action, walking with heart, and holding one another with compassion along the way. As we look toward our GPC Gathering in Singapore in February 2026, we carry forward the insights, relationships, and courage sparked in Sussex. Something meaningful is unfolding and we hope you will continue to walk this path with us.