First Wealth launches donor-advised fund: The First Wealth Foundation

The B Corp-certified financial planning firm has committed to supporting four charities with the launch of its donor-advised fund, emphasising the importance of structured and long-term charitable giving within the financial advice sector. 

London, 4th August 2026 — First Wealth, a leading, London-based financial planning firm, has today announced the launch of its first donor-advised fund, The First Wealth Foundation, establishing a framework for the firm’s philanthropy and focus on supporting community initiatives. The First Wealth Foundation has been established with The Together Foundation, who will provide the necessary administration and governance to facilitate charitable giving from First Wealth. 

Launching on the 4th August, First Wealth commits to supporting four charitable organisations each year through the First Wealth Foundation, with the inaugural partners for 2026 – 2027 being The Global Returns Project, Grief Encounter, FoodCycle and Verve Foundation. Through the donor-advised fund, First Wealth will make ongoing contributions and coordinate fundraising to create a lasting impact on its charitable partners. Notably, the First Wealth Foundation is setting out to do more than just give; it aims to build long-term relationships and support its chosen partners in achieving their missions.  

Jack Chellman, CEO at The Global Returns Project, said: “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 DAF, putting donations to work where they can make the greatest difference for our planet.” 

Anthony Villis, Managing Director and Co-Founder at First Wealth, said: “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. 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 First Wealth Foundation will serve as the firm’s primary vehicle for philanthropy, with the firm believing that philanthropy should not be an afterthought, but part of all solid financial plans. In addition, First Wealth is committed to modelling best practices for the industry and its clients, demonstrating how charitable giving can be woven into broader financial and legacy planning. 

Peter Slot, Chartered Financial Planner at First Wealth, said: “We encourage our clients to avoid leaving their legacy to chance, and with the First Wealth Foundation, we’re setting out our long-term philanthropic goals as our organisation grows. As a B-Corp-certified firm, we want to set an example for other financial planning firms, encouraging them to join us in creating a more structured and sustainable approach to our charitable efforts, educating our clients on how they can do the same, and together, make a long-term difference to both the charities and communities we support.” 

Future plans for The First Wealth Foundation include consulting with the firm’s clients to select charity partners, sponsoring events with the chosen charities as they fundraise for their respective causes, and introducing a tier within the Foundation to support the next generation of financial planners through exam and educational support. The launch of the fund aligns with First Wealth’s B-Corp status, supporting its social and environmental responsibility and ensuring measurable community impact. 

To find out more about The First Wealth Foundation, visit here.  

Media contact 

YourStory PR: firstwealth@yourstorypr.com  

About First Wealth 

First Wealth is a B Corp-certified financial planning firm managing around £450 million for approximately 600 clients and their families. Founded in 2009 by Anthony Villis and Rob Caplan in the aftermath of the financial crisis, the firm was established to challenge traditional wealth management with a model that is founder-led, independent and focused on outcomes beyond investment returns. Its Measure Wealth by Wellbeing philosophy places client wellbeing at the centre of financial planning through six evidence-based pillars covering financial objectives, risk protection, financial independence, family, impact, and confidence and control. First Wealth also operates Thrive Money, an educational platform focused on financial literacy. Find out more at www.firstwealth.co.uk 

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