The Philanthropy of Queen Elizabeth II
We all heard about the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history. She devoted her life in service to her people. She shared the attitude of responsibility and leadership at an incredibly young age, becoming queen in 1952 at the age of 25. The Charities Aid Foundation confirmed that she helped generate at least $1.4 billion a year for charity.
She was a patron of more than 600 organizations that supported a variety of causes, according to a numerous sources. Here are a few organizations she supported:
- Barnado’s
- Blind Veterans UK
- British Red Cross
- Campaign to Protect Rural England
- Cancer Research UK
- Combined Cadet Force
- Girlguiding
- London Catalyst
- Motability
- National Churches Trust
- Royal Academy of Arts
- Royal Academy of Music
- Royal College of Nursing
- Royal Forestry Society
- Royal Geographical Society
- Royal Opera House
- Royal Variety Charity
- Sea Cadets
Queen Elizabeth II likely did more for charity than any other monarch in history, favoring charities that dealt with community, civic and educational issues. She truly set an example for supporting a variety of causes through her civic leadership efforts.
It was not clear if Queen Elizabeth II, with a net worth of $500 million, according to Forbes, donated her own money to charities. British historians have said as the royal family’s active role in governing has diminished over the years, their philanthropic role increased tremendously. The family’s main role is to function as fundraisers and figureheads for charitable causes.
Numerous charities have recently thanked Queen Elizabeth II for her unwavering support over the past 70 years — since her accession to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952. These charities included the Royal National Institute of Blind People, The Kennel Club — for her love of Corgis — and the Royal Commonwealth Society.
The importance of philanthropy in the life of Queen Elizabeth II was amazing. She spent each day, supporting causes that were local, regional, national and international. It will be interesting to see, if going forward, King Charles III has the same fervor, interest and focus on making a worldwide difference for charity. It will not be easy to follow the legacy of philanthropy left by Queen Elizabeth II.
- Categories:
- News/Stats/Studies
Duke Haddad, Ed.D., CFRE, is currently the divisional associate executive director of development for The Salvation Army Indiana Division. He specializes in corporate development and capital campaigns. When time allows, he serves as president of Duke Haddad and Associates LLC and as a freelance educator for various educational entities.
He has contributed more than 600 articles to NonProfit PRO since 2008.
He earned his doctorate degree from West Virginia University, with an emphasis in education administration and a dissertation on donor characteristics. He also holds a master’s degree from Marshall University, with an emphasis on public administration and a thesis on annual fund program analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in marketing and management from West Virginia University.
Duke has received the Fundraising Executive of the Year Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana Chapter. He also has been honored with the Outstanding West Virginian Award, the Kentucky Colonel Award, and theSagamore of the Wabash Award from the governors of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana, respectively, for his many career contributions to the field of philanthropy. He has been an AFP member for more than 40 years and has held the Certified Fund Executive (CFRE) designation for more than 30 years.
This year, Duke was named to Marquis Who’s Who in America for 2026-2027 and as an International CFRE Ambassador. He also recently published the book, "Prescriptions Rx for Nonprofit Success," which features more than 30 previously published articles, including several from NonProfit PRO.
