Charity & Non-Profit Investment
With more than 30 years of experience working with charities, we help trustees, finance teams and charity leaders achieve long-term financial sustainability through responsible investing, specialist advice and robust governance. We work in partnership with you to ensure that your charity's investments are aligned with your objectives and the charity's aims. Our specialist team focus on generating superior capital growth so that you, in turn, can concentrate on fulfilling your organisation's purpose.
How we work
For all charity clients, we establish goals at the outset in order to meet your individual requirements. Our dedicated team can help you to understand which investment solution and what balance of assets could work best for your charity.
For clients with specific requirements, such as a particular income target, risk profile or ethical policy, a segregated portfolio can be tailored to meet your needs.
For smaller charities pursuing cost-effective capital growth and income, we have a charity-specific fund, The Waverton Charity Growth & Income Fund.
Why charities choose W1M
Specialist charity expertise
We’ve been advising charities on their investments for over three decades. As current and former charity trustees ourselves, we understand the challenges of balancing spending needs and long-term growth, while navigating charity governance requirements and responsible investment considerations.
Investment capability
The award-winning investment team at W1M combines institutional-quality charity investment expertise with a highly personalised approach, offering specialist investment advice for charities across asset classes and global markets.
Governance and trustee support
Our non-profit investment team work closely with trustees, finance directors and executive teams, providing clear reporting, regular reviews and ongoing support, so your charity investment strategy stays aligned with its objectives and governance framework.
Solutions and resources for charities
We work with charities of all sizes, providing tailored investment solutions designed around your organisation's objectives, governance requirements and spending needs. Whether through a bespoke portfolio or our dedicated charity fund, we can help you find an approach that aligns with your investment policy. Explore our services, insights, events and resources below.
Charity investment services
Upcoming conferences and events
Charities typically invest through a combination of pooled funds and segregated portfolios, depending on the size of their assets and the complexity of their requirements. The right approach depends on your income needs, risk appetite and ethical policy.
There is no prescribed percentage. Trustees must balance the need to preserve capital and generate returns against the charity’s short-term operational spending requirements and any restrictions in its governing document. The proportion of funds held as investments will typically reflect the charity’s cash flow needs, the stability of its income from other sources, and its long-term financial objectives. An investment manager can help you think through what proportion is appropriate for your specific circumstances.
The Charity Commission expects trustees to consider whether investments are consistent with the charity's purposes and values. This typically involves developing a responsible investment policy that sets out exclusions, ESG criteria and engagement expectations.
An investment policy helps trustees set clear objectives, define risk levels and document any ethical or responsible investment considerations. It provides a framework for making investment decisions and demonstrating good governance whilst also ensuring an appointed investment manager is focused on your specific objectives and delivers them.
