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Amy E. Blackwell

Partner - Philanthropy and Impact

Acorn Capital Advisers

London, UK

Amy Blackwell

Western International Securities

Silver Heritage Limited

Amy Blackwell’s Biography

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Amy Blackwell advises UHNW individuals on philanthropic and impact strategies at Acorn Capital Advisers. 

Her background is in financial services with a wealth of experience working with and for charitable organisations. Amy speaks regularly on millennials’ attitudes towards values, wealth, impact and successful multi-generational wealth transfer. She espouses a bespoke approach to creating values-driven strategies when working with families in designing or reviewing impact investments. Her strength lies in matching individuals and families to organisations and charities where there is strong synergy. Amy is a strong believer that a values-based approach to impact strategies achieves the best outcomes.

Amy started her career at Merrill Lynch, supporting HNW clients with their financial services needs and engaging with their legal and tax advisers. She has chaired various committees and boards for educational charities; overseen fundraising campaigns through events; managed volunteers for campaigns and advised on a variety of other charitable committees. Amy currently sits on... Amy Blackwell advises UHNW individuals on philanthropic and impact strategies at Acorn Capital Advisers. 

Her background is in financial services with a wealth of experience working with and for charitable organisations. Amy speaks regularly on millennials’ attitudes towards values, wealth, impact and successful multi-generational wealth transfer. She espouses a bespoke approach to creating values-driven strategies when working with families in designing or reviewing impact investments. Her strength lies in matching individuals and families to organisations and charities where there is strong synergy. Amy is a strong believer that a values-based approach to impact strategies achieves the best outcomes.

Amy started her career at Merrill Lynch, supporting HNW clients with their financial services needs and engaging with their legal and tax advisers. She has chaired various committees and boards for educational charities; overseen fundraising campaigns through events; managed volunteers for campaigns and advised on a variety of other charitable committees. Amy currently sits on the Board of Trustees of Right to Play UK and on the Advisory Board of the social enterprise Open Briefing. In addition, Amy sits on the Strategic Steering Board for the SESA Ecosystem and is a Member of the Civic Ecosystems Initiative.

Amy also managed business development and strategy for the CAF American Donor Fund and was a member of their Management Committee. She was previously on the Board of Trustees (UK) for Ubuntu Pathways, a health and education charity. Amy regularly mentors country managers and development directors for charities to maximise their engagement with the HNW donor community.

Educated at Northwestern University, Amy graduated with Honours in History. She attended LSE and received a MSc in International Development & Humanitarian Emergencies. moreless

Amy Blackwell’s Newsfeed

SESA Community

Checklist for Impact Sustainability

In this article for SESA Ecosystem, Amy Blackwell discusses the checklist for impact and sustainability. She explores the strategic principles and the question, 'What do business practices, patience and listening skills have to do with sustainable impact?'.

Amy Blackwell’s Background

Acorn Capital Advisers

Partner - Philanthropy and Impact

London, UK

Acorn Capital Advisers is an independent wealth management adviser whose clients are ultra-high net worth individuals and family offices.

Amy E Blackwell

Founder and Philanthropy and Impact Adviser

Jan 2019 - Present

London, UK

Amy creates bespoke philanthropic, impact strategies and impact needs for families and foundations in order to achieve their desired social impact. She regularly hosts private small gatherings offering peer-to-peer conversations with their families and advisers on the topics of living a purposeful life and celebrating the gift of failure.

Charities Aid Foundation

Manager Business Development CAF American Donor Fund / Manager Private Client Advisory

Jan 2018 - Feb 2020

London, UK

The Charities Aid Foundation promotes donations to charities and provides services and assistance to them as well as their donors. Amy designed an advisory program for the private client team and delivered professional development training workshops for multiple teams.

Start Network

Consultant

Nov 2016 - May 2017

The Start Network links more than 40 aid agencies across five continents in order to enable collaborative action.

Merrill Lynch

Series 7 Registered Financial Associate

1991 - 1996

Northbrook, IL, USA

As a member of the Private Executive Services Team, Amy advised high-net-worth clients on investment strategies and worked closely with tax and legal advisers to plan for impact goals. She also held the role of tax coordinator of the group.

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Amy Blackwell’s Gallery

Other Business Interests

School District 103

Various roles

2004 - 2008

Lincolnshire, IL, USA

Amy was Chairperson of The Learning Fund Grant Committee, President of the Parent Teacher Organisation and President of the Volunteer Council at School District 103.

Current Board Positions

Civic Ecosystems Initiative

Member

Feb 2021 - Present

London, UK

The Civic Ecosystems Initiative connects all those interested in civic ecosystems, including researchers, practitioners and activists. It acts as a driving force to initiate productive collaborations and conversations, using research, resourcing strategies, engagement, and ecosystem mapping and analysis.

Open Briefing

Advisory Board Member

Oct 2019 - Present

Penzance, UK

Open Briefing is a social enterprise supporting those on the frontlines of civil society by protecting them and their partners, both online and in the real world.

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Previous Board Positions

Ubuntu Pathways

Member of Board of Trustees and Development Committee (UK)

2010 - 2018

London, UK

Ubuntu Pathways is a South African health and education charity.

Philanthropy

The Fore

Member of Engaging Experience Network

Jan 2019 - Present

London, UK

The Fore assists small charities and social enterprises in accessing funding.

Learning Fund Foundation

Donor Relations Co-ordinator and Solicitations

Jun 2004 - Jun 2009

Lincolnshire, IL, USA

The Learning Foundation is an independent not-for-profit fundraising organisation for School District 103.

Media

Taking the Right Risks - the Art and Science of Impact Across the Spectrum

Panel Discussion

Nov 2021

London, UK

The PCD Club and Acorn Capital Advisers collaborated to conduct a panel discussion on the risks and challenges of executing an impact strategy.

Interviews

Amy Blackwell’s Hot Seat Interview

Interviewed

Aug 2021

London, UK

Amy joins David Bell on The Hot Seat to discuss Philanthropy and Impact.

Publications

The Power of Shared Purpose: It’s Good for You

Author

Oct 2021

London, UK

In this publication, Amy discusses the power of shared purpose. She explores several topics including how shared purpose works among families, their businesses and wealth, integrating it into family businesses and family offices, aligning purpose within wealth strategies, and the impact of shared purpose.

Sustainable impact - What do business practices, patience and listening skills have to do with it?

Author

May 2021

London, UK

Amy discusses sustainable impact in a piece for Acorn Capital Advisers, examining how practices, patience, and listening skills are important.

Charitable Interests

The American School in London

Co-chairperson for Bi-annual Gala

2010 - 2011

London, UK

Amy co-chaired a committee of 50 people and managed over 100 volunteers to plan and execute a gala event and contributed to fundraising for the school.

Southbank International School Hampstead

Volunteer Reading Specialist

Sep 2009 - Jun 2010

London, UK

Students at Southbank International School follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Year Programme.

Amy Blackwell’s Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) History

London School of Economics and Political Science

Masters degree in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies