First Give
Inspiring the next generation of philanthropists and active citizens
First Give is proud to be a Pears Partner and has benefited in so many ways from the multi-faceted support of Pears Foundation. This support has meant that since 2014, we’ve been able to reach ever increasing numbers of young people across England and Wales every year, supporting them to make a positive difference to the causes they care about through social action and giving in all its forms.Isaac Jones, Director, First Give
I don't think there could be anything more important to society than embedding a culture of altruism and sense of community in young people. Lessons instilled in them through rewarding and interactive activities with a real result will stay with them. It gives a vital dimension to tomorrow’s leaders, whatever field they choose to work in.Sir Trevor Pears
Partner since: 2014
Funding invested: £2.8million
- Core: Unrestricted funding
A culture of giving is not inherited; it is learned. When young people have the opportunity to support causes they care about, make decisions together and see the difference they can make, they begin to understand that everyone has something to contribute to their community.
Pears Foundation has been a founding funder of First Give since 2014 because we believe that schools have an important role to play in developing the next generation of active citizens and future givers. By embedding social action within the curriculum, First Give ensures that every young person—not just those who already volunteer or have opportunities outside school—can experience the impact of giving and taking action in their community.
Working with entire year groups in secondary schools across England and Wales, First Give introduces students to charities tackling issues in their local communities. They investigate local challenges, meet charity leaders, work together on social action projects and present the case for their chosen organisation, with the winning team securing a grant for its charity. Along the way, students develop teamwork, communication, leadership and critical thinking skills while experiencing first-hand how collective action can make a difference.
Our long-term partnership has supported First Give’s growth from an ambitious idea into a national programme reaching hundreds of schools and hundreds of thousands of young people. Throughout that growth, it has remained committed to ensuring that every student takes part, reinforcing our shared belief that a culture of giving should be something every young person has the opportunity to experience.
At the heart of this partnership is the principle that philanthropy is about more than giving money. It is about developing the instinct to look beyond ourselves, understand the needs of others and recognise that everyone has something to contribute.