The Dame Hilary Cropper Charitable Foundation was established in 2004 with the aim of supporting disadvantaged young people in the developing world

We exist thanks to the inspiration of our founder, Dame Hilary Cropper, who, as head of one of the fastest-growing and most successful companies in the Information Technology sector, more than earned her impressive reputation.

As Chief Executive of Xansa plc, she led the company to a successful flotation on the London Stock Exchange and pioneered an innovative approach to outsourcing, including the first UK acquisition of an Indian technology company. She also served as non-executive director of Barclays Bank and the UK Post Office and her accomplishments were recognised in the award of her Damehood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2004. Sadly, she died shortly afterwards following a brave fight against cancer.

Hilary's charitable vision was to benefit a cause close to her heart. Many visits to South Africa had fostered a love for the country and its people and, believing children to be at greatest risk from the effects of poverty and HIV/AIDS, she and her family chose this as the focus of their philanthropic efforts. The work of the Foundation ensures that her dream lives on and her endowment ensures that currently R1,000,000 a year is available for disbursements.