First Trust Cares was created in 2006 by a group of First Trust employees as a way to “give back”. First Trust Cares grew quickly, and the FT Cares Foundation, formalized in early 2012 as a 501(c)(3), has now touched all 50 states and 26 countries.
In mid-2017, the Foundation realized the milestone of donating a total of $1 million dollars to over 225 charitable organizations. In 2021, during the pandemic, the Foundation reached $2 million dollars in charitable donations. Shortly before April 24th, the 10-year anniversary of the Foundation's inception, it was announced that $3 million dollars had been donated locally, nationally and globally to over 325 charity organizations.
The FT Cares Foundation's torch logo symbolizes the light of hope and help that we are bringing to others. As we approach our 10th anniversary, the FT Cares Foundation remains committed to our mission of transforming lives locally, nationally and globally.
Since its founding, we have always used this axiom as our guiding light, and we are committed to dreaming big and continuing to grow as we serve others:
Dream things that never were and ask why not...
How We Help Locally
Locally, the Foundation supports many organizations in DuPage County and surrounding counties. We also
work with dozens of organizations throughout the Chicagoland area that are working to make a difference.
How We Help Nationally
Nationally, we are proud to have collaborated with organizations throughout the U.S.,
including several disaster relief organizations.
How We Help Globally
Globally, the Foundation has collaborated with organizations making a difference throughout the world. Foundation members have traveled to Rwanda, Guatemala and Mexico and the Foundation
has funded projects in 25 countries, all in collaboration with U.S.-based organizations.
