

First Give

First Give is particularly fortunate in that Pears Foundation were willing to support us as a new organisation right from day one. From the very start, their strategic and measured approach, alongside their belief in the intrinsic value of the programme, has ensured that we can educate future generations on how they can and why they should make a difference to those less fortunate than themselves.
Tim Pare, 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 CMG

Pears Foundation is a founding funder of First Give, an organisation that contributes to building a culture of giving in the UK.

Like Pears Foundation, First Give believes in young people and their potential to make a positive contribution to society. Working in partnership with secondary schools, the organisation encourages young people to identify the social issues they care about and to engage with the local charities that address them.  The vision is simple: a generation of motivated young people applying their skills to make the world they live in better.

First Give centres on a course of eight lessons, run across an entire year group and taught in curriculum time as an interactive, student-led and fully resourced programme.  Students begin by studying the social issues that exist within their community, and are guided through research and investigation to deepen their knowledge of the issues and the local charities that exist to address them. Students then have the opportunity to compete for £1,500 of grant money by advocating for their charity in a school competition.

The programme helps students to develop and improve presentation, teamwork, organisational and leadership skills, and ensures that schools are engaged with their local communities and play an active role.