The College has fully divested from all direct investments in fossil fuels and invests positively in environmental markets and in collective funds that have robust ESG (environmental, social and governance) policies. The College also applies a due diligence process to all philanthropic donations above £10,000, in accordance with its gift acceptance policy which prevents the acceptance of any gift which would damage the reputation, autonomy or integrity of the College and its members.
The primary purpose of King's College’s endowment is to provide long-term investment returns to support the College’s charitable objects of education, religion, learning, and research. It is the College’s policy to take account of ethical and other issues of social responsibility in relation to the endowment. Additionally, there are circumstances described in Charity Commission guidance when the College may balance other considerations against its main fiduciary responsibility.
The College adopted a new investment policy in 2024 and is currently considering the best ways to give effect to ethical and social responsibility considerations in managing its investments. This activity is being led by a working group composed of College Fellows and students, and will report to the College's Governing Body later in the year.
