AN event to encourage philanthropy in North Yorkshire has been hosted at a nearby stately home.

The event, called Inspiring Modern Philanthropy, was hosted by the Hon Simon Howard at Castle Howard, to encourage guests - including the Lord Mayor of York Councillor Ian Gillies, to share their thoughts on helping communities in North and East Yorkshire.

Guest speaker, businesswoman and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley, spoke about how she gave her wealth away, removing herself from the Rich List, for the money to help the public.

She said: "Once classed as the seventh wealthiest woman in Britain, trailing Her Majesty the Queen in the female Rich List, I am proud to have given away enough to take me out of all the Rich Lists.

"Companies bow to shareholders, politicians to the electorate, the media to their audiences, and all take too short and narrow a view. But foundations and people who have more than they need can take an unimpeded view of the big picture, the long view and their potential place in the landscape."

The event was also run with the Two Ridings Community Foundation, based in Stamford Bridge, which offers grants to local community groups, and was sponsored by CCLA investment management.

The event was sponsored by CCLA, and included a performance by the Malton White Star Band. The band was awarded a grant of £1,389 from the Two Ridings Community Foundation to provide free instrument loan and tuition to local children.

Afterwards, the Hon Simon Howard welcomed guests to his stately home, Chair of the Two Ridings Community Foundation Philip Ingham DL spoke.

He said: ‘The Two Ridings Community Foundation aims to facilitate philanthropy and build endowment funds that will respond to the needs of the community for generations to come."

Maureen Macleod, vice chair of the community foundation, said: "We enable people to reach the causes they care about in their local area. And there’s a way to give for everyone, from contributing to a fund to creating your own."

To find out more about the Two Ridings Community Foundation and apply for a grant, go to trcf.org.uk or phone 01759 377400.