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Investors challenge asset managers to prioritise needs of future generations

Author: Friends Provident Foundation

Date: 04/09/2025

A group of leading UK charitable foundations has come together to launch the Endowments Investing Challenge, with an investment mandate in the tens of millions available. We’re calling upon the investment industry to create a new portfolio that puts the needs of young people first: a move that brings impact investing principles front and centre 

 

The project, first run by Friends Provident Foundation, The Blagrave Trust and Joffe Trust in 2020, challenges investment service providers to create a bold portfolio that prioritises long-term positive impacts on future generations, alongside financial returns. 

 

The foundations behind the renewed initiative include The Blagrave Trust, The Children’s Society, Cripplegate Foundation, Friends Provident Foundation, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Vivensa Foundation, with support from ShareAction’s Charity Responsible Investment Network, the Impact Investing Institute and Redington, a Gallagher company. 

 

An open call for proposals will be announced in autumn 2025. Shortlisted entrants will present their ideas at a live event at London’s Barbican Centre in March 2026. 

 

Raising young voices  

The group are working with an advisory group of young adults – the Future Generations Panel – to ensure that the voices of those most impacted by investment decisions are heard loudly and clearly by the industry.  

 

“The investing world is hidden behind closed doors,” said Danielle Walker Palmour, Director of Friends Provident Foundation. “As investors, we know that our investments can have negative as well as positive impacts. Often, we are more comfortable acknowledging the positive side. We aim to open up the conversation about the impact of what we do now on those who will follow us.

 

“The interest in the Future Generations Panel has blown us away: over 750 young adults applied. They told us that they want our investments to help tackle issues including climate emergency, youth mental health, lack of community, housing, education, and inequality, to name but a few. Through the advisory panel and a survey, we’re bringing the opinions of those normally excluded from decision-making to the table.” 

Building a legacy

With a combined investment of up to £50 million already committed, the group aims to exceed the positive social and environmental impact achieved since the 2020 event.  

 

Eli Manderson Evans, CEO of The Blagrave Trust, said: “This project is breaking new ground in the UK philanthropic space by putting young people at the heart of how endowment investments are shaped. It recognises that decisions about capital must be accountable not just to young people today, but to future generations whose lives will be shaped by them. We are excited to co-create this work with funders who share our belief that philanthropy must confront the tensions in our positionality and role when it comes to investment practices — and to open up the investment industry to young people as part of that process.” 

 

Jaspal Sian, Investment Portfolio Manager at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “This project helps to shine a brilliant spotlight on the creative ways that capital can be a force for good — addressing the needs of future generations to deliver long-term impact while delivering sustainable financial returns. It’s inspiring to see innovation and purpose come together so powerfully.”  

 

Get involved  

Investment service providers can register their interest now to receive the Request for Investment Proposals when it is published in autumn 2025.