Why FirstClass

In 1996, a group of six charities created what is today the leading dedicated bequest management software, trusted by more than 100 not-for-profit organisations.

About FirstClass

FirstClass was founded founded nearly three decades ago by a group of six charities, and today is the leading dedicated bequest management software, trusted by more than 100 not-for-profit organisations to manage and maximise their bequest giving.

ActionAid’s Crispin Ellison – a legendary figure in bequest administration in the UK – was instrumental in the development of FirstClass, and over the past almost 30 years, the software has become the gold standard for organisations managing bequests.

FirstClass is also backed by exceptional customer support teams based both in the UK and Australia, meaning that round-the-clock help is always only a phone call away.

£1.4bn

bequest income
per annum

500

users

70k

cases managed
per annum

30+

years of expertise

Why specialist bequest management software?

Charities, hospices and not-for-profit organisations rely on funding from bequests and Gifts in Wills, which enable them to continue providing the services and support many people rely upon.

Specialist bequest management software is vital to not only keep records of bequests, but to also increase their potential donations.

The money from bequests is incredibly important for charities and other organisations. For example, in Australia in 2021, charities received $13.4bn from donations and bequests, while in the UK, in 2022, £3.85bn was left in wills to charities, hospices and other not-for-profits.

The potential of bequests is significant, however, and largely untapped.

Research shows that only 6% of people leave a gift to charity in their will, but 35% of people aged over 40 would be happy to leave a gift to charity. However, 60% of adults do not have a will.

Part of ClearCourse

FirstClass is proudly part of ClearCourse – a UK-based technology group that provides software and payments for small to medium-sized businesses, including start-ups, national retailers, targeted enterprises and many of the best-known charities, and notable brands across various sectors.

The group has a mission to build great businesses by integrating the best software, payments, services and people, and we believe that by being part of ClearCourse, we can continue to scale and grow our business, and ultimately keep improving our software for you.

Being part of a larger group brings several benefits to our business – and our customers, too. As we are part of a larger group of software and payments platforms, we can tap into the knowledge and experience of our fellow ClearCourse businesses.

If there’s a chance to integrate our software to offer a better solution, we’ll take it. If there’s the opportunity to work strategically with them to enhance what we can offer you, we’ll do so.