Kendal-based accountancy and advisory firm MHA Moore and Smalley has launched its own charitable foundation.

The 1892 Foundation, named after the year the firm was established, will fund projects that promote financial literacy and nurture career and life skills for young people.

The launch of the foundation coincided with the UN's International Day of Charity on September 5.

The foundation will work in partnership with Community Foundations in the UK to direct funding to inspiring projects and organisations.

Graham Gordon, managing partner of MHA Moore and Smalley, said: “We’re committed to improving access to financial education to equip the next generation with essential economic skills, something that is not always covered as part of the curriculum in schools.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve supported several projects and organisations through the Community Foundations network, so partnering with them to establish the 1892 Foundation was the natural next step in building on our partnership with this fantastic cause.

“We chose 1892 because it recognises our history while positively influencing the future. Working with the network ensures we can do just that by supporting the communities across all of our office locations.”

Karen Morris, deputy CEO at Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside, who will manage and distribute funds on behalf of MHA Moore and Smalley, said: “It’s a pleasure to help MHA Moore and Smalley establish the 1892 Foundation which will assist many local groups and people. “It is fantastic that such a well-respected business with a significant heritage is taking a strategic and long-term approach to its charitable giving.”

The launch of the 1892 Foundation is part of MHA Moore and Smalley's purpose project, which originated from the firm's ESG Strategy.

The purpose project aligns with the firm's Impact Statement, which outlines four key goals to be achieved in this financial year.

Paul Spencer, partner and MHA Moore and Smalley’s ESG lead, added: “Our purpose project demonstrates our commitment to leading by example and taking practical, tangible steps to ensuring we have a positive impact on our local communities.

“We’re incredibly proud of all our colleagues who are fully behind our efforts to boost financial education, inclusion and literacy in our local communities. Fundraising activities that we already have lined up include Tough Mudder which a number of colleagues have entered, a golf day in Formby that we have organised and a number of cycling challenges.”