Green Pilot for Coutts Philanthropy Clients

Nick Parmee

1 October 2008

UK private bank Coutts & Co has launched a pilot scheme for philanthropists interested in the environment. Coutts clients will have access to information on organisations in the environmental sector to help them decide how to maximise the impact of their giving. They will also be given access to the Coutts Environment Donor Advised Fund, which gives clients the opportunity to pool funds in order to increase the impact of their donations.

This follows the launch of the Coutts Microfinance Advisory Service and Coutts Microfinance Donor Advised fund.

In addition to receiving assistance from philanthropy specialists on creating a giving strategy, clients can draw on the expertise of an independent Environment Advisory Panel. Clients will also have access to written reports on the environment and environment charities that the panel has helped prepare.

The Donor Advised Fund is not an investment scheme, but a collection of irrevocable donations administered by the Charities Aid Foundation and intended for distribution, in entirety and at the direction of the donors, to organisations with charitable purposes. Donors will contribute a minimum donation of £10,000 and will benefit from collaborating with other philanthropists in pooling funds and directing donations to make an even bigger impact.