Join us in activating the generosity of one million young people.
By 2034, First Give aims to reach a million young people – empowering them to support causes they care about and building a more generous, engaged society for the future.
To achieve this ambitious goal, our Route to a Million campaign aims to raise £1.5 million over the next three years to rapidly scale our proven programme across England and Wales.
First Give helps young people move from bystander to changemaker.
In a society where young people increasingly feel disconnected and powerless, First Give gives them something rare. Genuine agency. Through our programmes they identify issues they care about, meet charities doing the work, and take action themselves.
Students discover they can actually make a difference.
The transformation is visible. Watch a shy 13-year-old stand up at a Final and passionately advocate for a homeless charity. See a disengaged student light up when they realise the £500 they raised will fund actual meals for real people. These aren’t abstract lessons about citizenship – they’re formative experiences that change how young people see themselves and their role in the world.
The genius is in the multiplier effect. You’re not just helping one charity – you’re helping inspire young people to support countless causes now and throughout their lives. Every student reached becomes a more generous, more engaged citizen. Scale that to a million young people, and we’re shifting the culture of an entire generation.
First Give is building the generous society we all want to see, one young person at a time.
Read the summary case for support for more details on our plans and the associated fundraising campaign: Route to a Million
Want to get involved?
Experience it first-hand: Judge at a First Give Final – witness young people’s social conscience come to life. It’s a two hour commitment and is genuinely inspiring.
Partner With Us – Whether through financial support, introductions to your network; bringing our programme to your school; sharing our story; or lending your expertise – there are many ways to get involved.
Complete the form or contact us directly on campaign@firstgive.co.uk.
The [First Give] programme helps our students to develop their independence and confidence and enables them to learn more about themselves while developing their sense of empathy and responsibility within the community.
The act of giving connects us to one another in communities and across society. A more giving society can be one with a stronger social fabric
Because of First Give, we will speak louder, care more and act with purpose
This experience has made me more open to understanding and addressing broader societal issues. For me, it has ignited a desire to contribute to larger changes, and I’m eager to continue seeking ways to make a positive impact beyond this challenge.
The social action campaign with in schools is a fantastic way to engage young people and empower them to raise awareness of social issues and the support available.
It's got a dual benefit of raising awareness for local causes creating connections in the community and a clear benefit for children building their leadership and communication skills as well as their resilience.
The First Give programme was a catalyst for my lifelong commitment to social and humanitarian action