Inspiring future careers: Foundation continues community impact

As we power through 2025, the BGF Foundation continues building on its success over the past year. BGF employees not only met but exceeded the Foundation’s objectives in 2024, increasing volunteering efforts by an impressive 56% year on year. This surge in engagement has had a tangible, positive impact on the communities that the Foundation supports, and its charity partners.

Empowering young women in Edinburgh

Our team in Edinburgh kicked off the year by hosting young women from Future Asset, an organisation that helps girls explore careers in finance. The day included activities designed to inspire and educate, giving the students a unique opportunity to engage with the team and learn about growth capital investing.

Partner schools shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, with Catriona Currie from St. Augustine’s School explaining: “the girls really enjoyed the day and were buzzing on the way back.” Helen Bradley, CEO of Future Asset, also expressed her appreciation: “Fantastic morning at BGF, where the girls assessed a company for investment and presented to the team. Huge thanks to Milly, Gemma, John, and Jennifer for making it possible.”

This initiative highlights the impact of community engagement in empowering individuals and creating new opportunities. Gemma Hamilton, Head of Origination and Investor at BGF, is passionate about diversifying the entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem, recognising the importance of opening doors for the next generation of women to explore their potential and see what’s possible.

Find out more about our commitment to investing in women-led businesses and female founders here.

Mentoring future leaders in the South West

In Bristol, BGF Partner Alex Garfitt led a session with Business Studies students at Cheltenham College, focused on the typical business fundraising lifecycle. Alex’s session provided valuable insights into growth capital investment, helping students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. It demonstrated the importance of offering young people practical knowledge to inspire their future careers.

Collaborating with EY Foundation

Collaboration is key to the BGF Foundation’s approach. In February, it partnered with EY Foundation on their Impactful Futures Programme, which aims to enhance socio-economic diversity within the charity sector.

The BGF Foundation hosted two students (aged 16-17) at our offices, providing hands-on experience, training, and mentoring, to help build their confidence and career skills. The young people were able to meet team members from across BGF, build rapport, and learn office etiquette, as well as testing their research and presentation skills. Both students highlighted how the experience gave them their first real insight into what a professional workplace is like, helping them feel more comfortable and confident in this environment.

Through collaboration, community engagement, and empowering the next generation of leaders, the BGF Foundation is creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to thrive. And the team is excited to build on this progress and continue creating a lasting impact.