• Saving for Children
• Why bother to save for your children?
• How to save for your children
• Ethical Child Trust Fund
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  • Why?
  • Risks - Don't Forget
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Jargon Buster
  • Members say
• Child Tax Exempt Savings Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

I haven't yet received my Child Trust Fund voucher from the Government. Can I still apply for the Ethical Child Trust Fund?

Yes - you can still apply even if you are still waiting for the Child Trust Fund voucher. Provided you are eligible to receive the voucher, simply apply here and we will set everything up ready for when you can send the voucher to us.

How long do I have to choose a Child Trust Fund?

The earlier you invest your Child Trust Fund voucher - the earlier your Child Trust Fund has the potential to grow. In any case, you must invest your Child Trust Fund voucher within 12 months.

What happens if I don't open a Child Trust Fund?

If you don't invest your Child Trust Fund voucher within 12 months, the Government will choose a Fund on your child's behalf. So if you want to choose your Child Trust Fund from the start you must decide soon.

I have already opened a Child Trust Fund. Can I transfer to this Ethical Child Trust Fund?

Yes - you can transfer from an existing Child Trust Fund to our Ethical Child Trust Fund. Please contact us for more information.

What makes this Child Trust Fund "ethical"?

The Ethical Child Trust Fund avoids investing in companies that are considered to be harmful to the environment, people, animals or wildlife.

Our Ethical Child Trust Fund will exclude any company that is substantially involved in any of the following areas:

• Animal testing of cosmetics

• Gambling

• Pornography and adult films

• Tobacco

Or which fails to meet our required criteria including and regarding:

• Health and Safety convictions

• Human rights

• Sustainable timber

• Water pollution

For further information, please see the Key Features Document.

How do I make additional contributions to the Fund?

You can make additional contributions to the Fund - either by a lump sum payment each year and/or make regular contributions by Direct Debit.

The minimum lump sum payment is £100 - payable by cheque. The minimum regular payment is £5 per month - by Direct Debit. However, the total amount of additional contributions from all sources must not exceed £1,200 per year.

If you or anyone else wishes to add to the Fund, you/they should complete an Additional Contributions Form.

Download an Additional Contributions Form 

Who else can contribute to the Fund?

Family, friends, godparents - and anyone else who wishes to - can contribute to the Ethical Child Trust Fund. For example, as a valuable birthday or Christmas gift for the child.

Download an Additional Contributions Form 

Is there a limit on the amount of additional contributions?

Yes. The total amount of additional contributions from all sources must not exceed £1,200 per year. It is the responsibility of the person opening the Fund to ensure that total contributions do not exceed £1,200 per year.

Can my child access the money in their Fund before they reach 18?

No. The Fund is designed to offer a financial head start when the child becomes an adult by providing a cash payment when they turn 18 years of age.

How does the Ethical Child Trust Fund have the potential for growth?

The Child Trust Fund voucher and any additional contributions are invested in a with profits fund. Annual bonuses and a possible final bonus may be added to the basic sum assured. Once added, these bonuses cannot be taken away - helping to grow the value of the cash payment when the child turns 18. Bonuses will depend on the future investment performance and deductions of the with profits fund and how it is decided to distribute any profit.

Can you tell me more about Stakeholder CTF?

Foresters Friendly Society does not offer a Stakeholder CTF, but has an arrangement with a partner Stakeholder CTF provider.