First Wealth launches donor-advised fund

London-based financial planning firm First Wealth has launched its first donor-advised fund, The First Wealth Foundation.

The fund will establish a framework for the company’s philanthropy and focus on supporting community initiatives.

The First Wealth Foundation was launched in collaboration with The Together Foundation, which will provide the administration and governance services to facilitate charitable giving from First Wealth.

First Wealth has committed to supporting four charitable organisations through the fund each year, with the inaugural partners for 2026/27 being: The Global Returns Project, Grief Encounter, FoodCycle, and Verve Foundation.

The firm will make ongoing contributions and corporate fundraising via the fund, aiming to create lasting impacts on its charitable partners.

The First Wealth Foundation will serve as First Wealth’s primary vehicle for philanthropy, with the firm arguing that charitable giving should be part of all ‘solid’ financial plans.

It has also committed to modelling best practices for the industry and clients to demonstrate how charitable giving can be integrated into broader financial and legacy planning.

“At First Wealth, we encourage our clients to think about the legacy they want to create, and the launch of the First Wealth Foundation is a key part of our own legacy planning,” commented First Wealth managing director and co-founder, Anthony Villis.

“Our view is that we have a responsibility to give back, and as a sector, we need to do more. This fund allows us to make a real difference to our chosen charities.

“In launching our donor-advised fund, we want to inspire other firms to consider their own approach to giving, and move from simply writing a cheque every 12 months to a more integrated, long-term commitment to charitable organisations. In doing so, we can give more and give better.”

The Global Returns Project CEO, Jack Chellman, added: “We're proud to be one of the founding charity partners in First Wealth's new donor-advised fund.

“First Wealth has been working with the Global Returns Project for a few years, helping clients give to high-impact climate and nature charities.

“We’re excited to deepen that partnership through this new donor-advised fund, putting donations to work where they can make the greatest difference for our planet.”

---