The raison d’etre of the Commons Society Foundation is to support the common good through restoring the practice of sharing surplus by means of mutual aid networks based on commons principles. This will be accomplished through the establishment of local and regional commons economy programmes, alongside the mainstream economy, thereby adding to the pool of resources available for philanthropic purposes and creating stronger associational networks that people can rely on in times of austerity.
The concept of ‘Commons’ is an equitable, sustainable and versatile perspective of economy, self-governance and resource management. Its positive and extensive implications for the wellbeing and flourishing of individuals, families, communities, businesses, civil society and the natural environment have been overlooked for some time, but currently are in the process of being rediscovered by thought leaders, civil society organisations and communities alike at a time of deep concern that existing measures of prosperity and models of wealth creation, and governance are functioning in a less than optimal and even destabilising way for society with resulting worrying implications for legitimacy and welfare