Lord Ashcroft Pledges Half of His Fortune to Charity

The publication of the Sunday Times Giving List yesterday came alongside an announcement that Lord Ashcroft will become the seventh person from the Rich List to sign the Giving Pledge.

The Giving Pledge, instigated by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates, asks signatories to give away half of their wealth to charitable causes during their lifetime or after death.

Lord Ashcroft joins the likes of Richard and Joan Branson, Lord David Sainsbury and John Caudwell in pledging to give half of his wealth to good causes, and comes as the Giving List shows that the top 100 philanthropists in Britain have increased their giving to charitable courses by 20% in the past year.

It’s fantastic to see Lord Ashcroft join those signed up to the Giving Pledge, and by giving away at least half of his £1.2 billion fortune to good causes he will be making a lasting impact.

We’re delighted to see the Giving List include so many famous names from the likes of One Direction to Sir Elton John, and we hope that their philanthropic activities will encourage their legions of fans to do their bit and support charities during this tough economic time.