Background 

Setting up an investment policy and strategy for a corporate foundation required balancing financial returns, risk management, and alignment with the parent company’s values and mission. 

The challenge 

Ensuring the investment approach reflected the ethical standards and strategic purpose of the parent company, while setting the course for managing the foundation’s assets over time. 

The goal 

To deliver a clear framework that balanced philanthropic mission, financial goals and corporate values. 

Strategy & execution 

Working closely with the foundation, we designed and delivered an end-to-end investment and operational model that combined robust governance with a seamless experience for trustees.  

The approach covered four key areas: 

1) Investment 

• Advised on investment strategy to meet the foundation’s requirements. 

• Supported the foundation in setting up an Investment Policy Statement, including: 

• • Appropriate benchmarks for financial reporting 

• • Sustainable investment objectives and framework 

• Provided ongoing support and investment advice, ensuring changes over time were met with the right investment decisions. 

2) Operational

• Managed ongoing cashflow requirements 

• Delivered online reporting, including: 

• • Transactions 

• • Performance 

• • Impact and sustainability data 

• • Document storage 

• Shared data to facilitate reporting in annual reports 

3) Partnership with stakeholders

• Provided impact and sustainability metrics for the foundation’s microsite. 

• Engaged with all trustees, beyond just the Investment Committee, to ensure clear communication of aims and outcomes. 

4) Value added

• Acted as a trusted partner, providing the transparency and credibility needed to avoid potential reputational risk. 

• Delivered an investment solution driven by the foundation’s own goals, built to meet its specific needs, not a generic product. 

• Provided an experienced team to help guide trustees through the process of setting up an endowment. 

Get in touch

If this sounds relevant to a charity you’re involved with, please contact our charity team at charities@eqinvestors.co.uk or call 020 7488 7133. We’d be happy to talk it through.

Please remember, this content is provided for information purposes only. Investment involves risk. Past performance is not a guarantee or indication of future results. Investment return and the principal value of an investment may go up or down and may result in the loss of the amount originally invested. All investors should seek professional advice prior to any investment decision, to determine the risks associated with the investment and its suitability.