Hargreaves Lansdown Charitable Foundation

The Foundation funds work across four pillars. Under next generation, it supports youth development programmes including financial education training, employability mentoring, and adventure activities for young people aged 16-25 facing barriers such as poverty or exclusion, as well as initiatives for care leavers. Local communities grants address food insecurity through food sharing networks, fund air ambulance services for rural emergency health access, and support community cohesion projects that reduce isolation. Health and wellbeing grants go to cancer research, mental health counselling, and peer support groups. The improving lives pillar backs disability services such as guide dog provision, therapeutic interventions for complex health needs, and children's health programmes. Geographically, the Foundation prioritises the South West of England, particularly Bristol, and also supports established charities across the UK that serve these priority groups.

The Foundation funds registered charities and schools. It prioritises organisations with a strong local presence in the South West of England, especially the Bristol area, though established charities working across the UK that serve young people, families, and individuals with health or disability needs may also be considered. The Foundation particularly supports work benefiting young people aged 16-25 facing poverty or exclusion, care leavers, families experiencing food insecurity, people with disabilities, and those with mental health conditions. There is no religious restriction on applicants.

The Foundation does not fund core organisational costs, unrestricted grants, or general operational expenses. It only supports defined project initiatives with clear attribution. This means they do not provide funding for ongoing salaries, rent, utilities, or other overheads. They also do not fund general appeals or endowment funds. The Foundation's grants are specifically for project-based work that aligns with their four pillars, and they avoid one-off aid in favour of targeted interventions that build lasting confidence.

The Foundation makes project-based grants and welcomes unsolicited applications. It operates an employee-voted partner model, where staff nominate and vote on organisations to support, fostering long-term collaborative relationships. The Foundation focuses on defined project initiatives rather than core costs.