The Rothschild Foundation

The Rothschild Foundation

The Rothschild Foundation was established in 2010 to continue the family's philanthropic activities centered on Waddesdon Manor. Dame Hannah Rothschild serves as chair following the death of Lord Jacob Rothschild in 2024. The foundation manages the estate on behalf of the National Trust and maintains related properties including Windmill Hill and Spencer House. Grant making focuses on arts, heritage, local communities, and environmental projects in the United Kingdom. The foundation holds public equity positions through Windmill Hill Asset Management, including stakes in RIT Capital Partners and SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF. It also owns operating subsidiaries tied to the Waddesdon Estate and maintains the Waddesdon Collection of decorative arts and paintings. The organization employs 201 people and maintains relationships with affiliated foundations such as Rothschild Foundation (Hanadiv) Europe and Yad Hanadiv. Sir Roger Wright was appointed chief executive in 2024. Windmill Hill Asset Management serves as the primary investment advisor, with additional service providers including Saffery LLP for audit and Farrer & Co LLP for legal counsel. The foundation's structure separates philanthropic grant-making from direct ownership of cultural assets and real estate, with investment activities routed through a dedicated advisor rather than external fund commitments.