Private bank Coutts & Co has launched a pilot advisory service and donor advised fund for philanthropists who are interested in the environment.

Clients will have access to written reports and other specialized advice from an independent Environment Advisory Panel. They will also be able to contribute to the Coutts Environment Donor Advised Fund. Administered by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), the fund is open to clients making a minimum contribution of £10,000, enabling donors to collaborate with other philanthropists by pooling funds to make a bigger impact.

Mark Evans, head of philanthropy at Coutts & Co said, “We've seen increased interest in the environment from our clients. They want to know everything about it from climate change and energy, to pollution and waste, to biodiversity and sustainable development.”

Coutts also hosts the Coutts Forums for Philanthropy, and the Coutts Microfinance Advisory Service and donor advised fund. Coutts also sponsors Philanthropy UK’s A Guide to Giving, the essential handbook for philanthropists. The third edition is due out later this autumn.