Six UK charitable foundations have come together today (9 October 2025) to launch the Endowments Investing Challenge. The initiative aims to invite investment service providers to propose a bold portfolio for an investment of up to £50 million, prioritizing positive social and environmental impact for future generations.
The foundations involved in the challenge are The Blagrave Trust, The Children’s Society, Cripplegate Foundation, Friends Provident Foundation, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Vivensa Foundation. They are seeking innovative proposals that address the needs and concerns of future generations.
Director of Friends Provident Foundation, Danielle Walker Palmour, emphasized the importance of considering more than just financial returns when making investments. “As endowed charities, we have a responsibility to use our endowments to make a powerful impact on future generations,” she stated.
To ensure that the perspectives of young adults are taken into account, a Future Generations Panel has been involved in the process. They will continue to advise and influence the final decision when shortlisted investment service providers present their proposals to a live audience of values-led investors and young people in March 2026.
Lok-Yi, a member of the panel, expressed their excitement for the opportunity to make a difference for future generations. “As young people, we care a lot about our future and want to make a positive impact,” they said. “Through this investment, we can help shape a better future for ourselves and those to come.”
The CEO of The Blagrave Trust, Eli Manderson Evans, emphasized the importance of including young people in conversations about investing for the future. “Young people have the most at stake in the decisions we make today, yet are often excluded from these discussions,” he said. “By involving them in this process, we are not only investing for future generations, but with them.”
Investment service providers of all types and sizes are encouraged to submit a proposal for the challenge, from boutique impact firms to large asset managers committed to a fair and sustainable economy. The Request for Investment Proposals can be downloaded from endowmentsinvestingchallenge.com and the deadline for submissions is 11:59pm (UK time) on Friday 19 December 2025.
The Endowments Investing Challenge presents a unique opportunity for investment service providers to make a positive impact on future generations and contribute to a fairer and more sustainable economy. Interested ISPs are encouraged to submit their proposals before the deadline and help shape a better future for generations to come.
— Ends —
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.