In a remarkable act of generosity, David Clarke, a researcher from Liverpool, chose to donate the entirety of his £100,000 inheritance to uplift his local community. Rather than keeping the money left to him by his late mother a decade ago, Clarke took the unconventional approach of inviting his neighbours to decide how to allocate the funds. The results have been nothing short of transformative.
Clarke’s mother, who tragically passed away in a cycling accident, instilled in him a strong moral compass and social conscience. Determined to honour her memory and values, he grappled with the question of how to put the inheritance to the best possible use. His search led him to the concept of democratising philanthropy—empowering communities to have a say in how donated funds are utilised.
Empowering the Community
In an extraordinary move, Clarke posted letters to 600 addresses in his L8 postcode, inviting residents to nominate worthy causes for the £100,000 donation. Out of the 38 responses received, he assembled a diverse panel of 12 community members to deliberate and make the final decision. After careful consideration over four sessions, they chose to divide the money equally among four deserving charities, each receiving a substantial £25,000 grant.
Transforming Children’s Lives
One of the beneficiaries was Team Oasis, a children’s charity operating in Dingle, one of Liverpool’s most deprived neighbourhoods. Founded in 2003, the organisation supports around 400 children and young people weekly through a wide range of programmes, from dance and theatre to football and photography workshops. Critically, they also provide free meals to 80 local families each week.
Paul Nilson, Team Oasis’ founder and manager, emphasised the dire circumstances many of the children face—all live in poverty, with half considered physically disabled or coping with special needs and mental health challenges. In a time when many charities have been forced to close, he described the donation as “such a blessing.”
It has been such a debilitating time for charities, with so many being forced to close, so receiving the donation was such a blessing.
Paul Nilson, Team Oasis founder and manager
Creating Cherished Memories
The windfall enabled Team Oasis to fund caravan holidays at Talacre Beach Resort in North Wales, giving disadvantaged families a much-needed respite they could never have afforded on their own. The charity also organised a community trip to Blackpool for 150 people, covering the cost of three coaches.
For Gemma O’Brien, a mother of three children with special educational needs, these trips have been life-altering. “I could never get to places like that on my own with my kids,” she shared. Her eldest son, who is severely autistic and has a brain injury, discovered his passion for music at Team Oasis and is now self-taught on guitar and piano. “It’s one of the only places where I feel safe and not judged,” O’Brien added, praising the charity’s inclusive nature.
They never turn anyone away. My daughter struggles with social situations and can have meltdowns, but they are always understanding. They make you feel supported and accepted.
Gemma O’Brien, mother of three children with special educational needs
Nourishing Body and Mind
Clarke’s donation has also allowed Team Oasis to secure a lease for Liverpool Kids Plant to Plate, a new programme that will teach children how to grow, prepare, and cook their own food. With stark statistics revealing that South Liverpool food banks provided 11,479 emergency parcels in 2023, including 4,219 for children, this initiative couldn’t be more timely.
Thanks to the extra funding, Team Oasis has expanded its weekly meal programmes to cater to more families. During school holidays, children can also receive free lunches at day camps. “Going to Team Oasis helps so much. It can be the difference between getting a Christmas dinner or not for so many of the kids,” O’Brien emphasised.
A Legacy of Love
For Clarke, seeing his mother’s legacy bring joy and opportunity to so many has been immensely rewarding. “It’s not just about funding. It’s about recognising the incredible work these organisations are doing and amplifying it,” he reflected. From children enjoying new play equipment to families savouring fresh meals and learning about sustainability, the impact has been far-reaching.
This project wasn’t just about £100,000. It was about showing what’s possible when we trust communities to make decisions. The results speak for themselves.
David Clarke
When asked if she had a message for the man who shared his inheritance so generously, O’Brien’s response was heartfelt: “To the guy who’s donated the money, the impact it’s had is out of this world. You’ve brought that special community feeling back to us, and I don’t think many places have that feeling.”
Clarke’s extraordinary act of kindness serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of grassroots philanthropy. By placing trust in the wisdom of the community and empowering them to shape their own destinies, he has sown seeds of hope that will undoubtedly bear fruit for generations to come. In a world often marked by division and inequality, his example shines as a beacon, inviting us all to consider how we might use our resources, no matter how modest, to uplift those around us and create a brighter, more compassionate future.
