# John Nickson’s new book calls for civil society to defend democracy

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2026/02/04/john-nickson-book-civil-society-defend-democracy/
- Published: 2026-02-04T08:11:00+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**A forthcoming book from fundraiser, author and philanthropist John Nickson argues
that civil society is the only effective bulwark against the rise of authoritarian
populism, proposing a new social contract to reinvest in the nation’s social capital.**

The author of [Giving is Good for You](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/06/10/new-book-published-why-giving-good-you/)
and [Our Common Good](https://fundraising.co.uk/books/our-common-good-if-the-state-provides-less-who-will-provide-more/),
has announced the publication of his third book, **In Search of Hope: how civil 
society defends democracy from populism**. Due out on 16 April 2026, the book is
described by the author as carrying a vital message for all who are involved in 
the not-for-profit sector.

In an advance notice to colleagues and friends, Nickson explains the urgency of 
his work: “My book has a message of hope for unpredictable and unstable times.”

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The book traces his journey from a privileged start – born into the family that 
funded and built The Blackpool Tower – to his transformation into an “evangelist
for philanthropy and civil society,” a change of heart spurred by a near-death experience
and supporting a teenage survivor of the Rwandan genocide.

Nickson, who has led fundraising at institutions including Tate, the Royal Academy
of Arts, and English National Opera, uses his unique perspective to make a compelling
case for a renewed focus on collective action.

![In Search of Hope - book cover. Author John Nickson.](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.
cloud/2026/01/In-Search-of-Hope-John-Nickson-cover-2604@2x.png)

In Search of Hope, by John Nickson.

## The role of civil society in a divided Britain

The book confronts the challenges facing liberal democracy today. Nickson describes
it an economy where living standards stagnate for the majority while a small minority
grows wealthy, declining social mobility, and the discontent that pushes people 
towards right-wing authoritarian populism.

Nickson’s central thesis is that “civil society, the independent not-for-profit 
sector, is the bedrock of liberal democracy but is threatened by authoritarian populists,
not just in Trump’s America but also in Europe. We cannot afford to be complacent
as we witness growing intolerance here and threats from some extremist politicians.”

The book serves as a robust defence of this sector, which comprises institutions
and organisations independent from the public and private sectors.

 * **[A Million Acts of Hope sees charities defend civil society by celebrating acts of hope and kindness](https://fundraising.co.uk/2026/02/13/a-million-acts-of-hope-sees-charities-defend-civil-society-by-celebrating-acts-of-hope-and-kindness/)(
   13 February 2026)**

To counter these threats and restore trust, prosperity, and connection, Nickson 
calls for fundamental structural change. He said: “We need a new template whereby
national and local government, the private sector and civil society collaborate 
to invest in social capital in order to empower the disempowered, their communities
and the independent organisations that belong to us all.”

Having advised government on the introduction of a national philanthropy strategy,
Nickson argues that while this is encouraging, much more is needed. He demonstrates
with evidence, gathered from speaking to hundreds of leaders across the UK, that“
transformational change is possible given visionary and pragmatic leadership.”

## Reviews of In Search of Hope

The book has received strong endorsements, including praise from Rt Hon Lord Smith
of Finsbury, Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, who says:

“John’s book can help. Its fundamental belief in the role of civil society, of collective
decision and action, of the value of empathy, of the purposes of philanthropy, can
help to steer us to a better world.”

Other endorsements describe the work as “necessary and timely” and offering “deep
insights into philanthropy.”

**In Search of Hope** is a 336-page hardback, priced at £20, and will be available
on 16 April 2026 at bookshops and via online retailers.

 * **[John Nickson joins UK Community Foundations as trustee](https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/11/12/john-nickson-joins-uk-community-foundations-as-trustee/)(
   12 November 2015)
 * **[New book published on why Giving is Good for You](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/06/10/new-book-published-why-giving-good-you/)(
   10 June 2013)
 * **[Why do wealthy donors give to charity? New book ‘Richer Lives’ explains](https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/10/04/why-do-wealthy-donors-give-charity-new-book-039richer-lives039-explains/)(
   4 October 2013)**