💸 “Putting Giving on the Money”: Should Charity Be Celebrated on Banknotes?

As the Bank of England invites the public to help shape the next generation of banknotes, one proposal is gaining quiet momentum: featuring charitable giving as a central theme. Could the next £10 or £20 note celebrate the spirit of generosity that underpins British society?

🏛️ A Currency of Compassion?

The idea, raised by voices in the UK’s fundraising and nonprofit sectors, is simple but powerful: if banknotes reflect national identity, why not highlight the millions of donors, volunteers, and charity workers who make a difference every day?

Suggestions include:

Featuring a famous philanthropist or social reformer

Honouring volunteers or charity founders

Depicting symbolic acts of giving—like a hand offering help or a food bank in action

Celebrating the collective donor—the everyday citizen who gives what they can

💬 Why It Matters

Charity is deeply woven into the fabric of British life. From Victorian-era mutual aid societies to modern crowdfunding campaigns, the UK has a long tradition of civic generosity. Yet, this contribution is rarely reflected in national symbols—especially not on currency.

A banknote celebrating giving could:

Raise awareness of the role of charities in society

Inspire civic pride and community spirit

Offer a non-political, unifying theme that resonates across generations

🧠 A Collector’s Perspective

For collectors, this proposal is intriguing. A note themed around charity would be:

Visually unique, potentially featuring warm, human-centered imagery

Historically significant, marking a shift in how national values are represented

A potential conversation starter in any collection

It would also join a growing global trend of banknotes that highlight social values—from Norway’s climate-themed kroner to Canada’s celebration of civil rights.

🗳️ Have Your Say

The Bank of England’s consultation is open until 31 July 2025, and the public is encouraged to submit ideas for themes that reflect the UK’s identity. While charity isn’t one of the six pre-listed categories, the Bank welcomes original suggestions—and this could be the perfect time to propose something meaningful.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Money is more than a medium of exchange—it’s a mirror of what we value. As the UK reimagines its banknotes, perhaps it’s time to spotlight not just the powerful or the famous, but the quiet generosity that keeps communities strong.

Would you support a banknote that celebrates giving? What image would you choose to represent charity? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts.