Rathbones Group Foundation

The Rathbones Group Foundation, established in 2012 as the charitable arm of Rathbones Group Plc—a UK wealth management firm founded in 1742—channels a portion of the company's pre-tax profits to drive positive social change across the UK. Its core mission focuses on addressing social disadvantage and expanding opportunities for vulnerable and at-risk young people, aligning with the parent company's ethos of responsible business, ethical investment, and long-term empowerment. Governed by trustees and informed by local advisory panels from Rathbones' 20+ UK and Channel Islands offices, the Foundation blends national strategy with grassroots insight to support sustainable impact.

It prioritizes youth-focused initiatives enhancing education, employability, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and wellbeing, while occasionally funding broader efforts in health, social exclusion, and community resilience. Grants target project delivery and capacity building for UK charities working with young people, favoring programs that foster measurable, enduring social mobility—such as partnerships with organizations like Social Shifters for financial awareness and youth entrepreneurship.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities and not-for-profits, typically established entities with annual incomes above £100,000 and proven track records; geographic focus is UK-wide, with preference for areas near Rathbones offices. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, instead proactively selecting partners through trustee and panel reviews at ad hoc meetings—no public deadlines or open calls exist. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £10,000, with larger multi-year awards up to £25,000+ for strategic national partners. Distinctively, it avoids capital, emergency, or unrestricted funding outside youth priorities, emphasizing durable change via its corporate network and profit-linked giving.