Major Funding Boost for Youth Employability Charities
The Persimmon Charitable Foundation has announced a significant £300,000 funding opportunity for registered charities across the UK. This substantial financial support is specifically targeted at organisations working to improve employability outcomes for young people aged 14 to 25, with particular emphasis on those living in areas experiencing economic and social deprivation.
Expanding Support for Vulnerable Youth
Now entering its second year, the Foundation's open application programme represents a major commitment to addressing youth unemployment and educational disengagement. The programme launched in 2025 with four £50,000 donations awarded to charities supporting young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), or those identified as being at risk of becoming NEET.
Anthony Vigor, Chair of the Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the programme's expansion: "We were amazed by the response to our open application programme, with 1,210 applications for funding received last year. We want to support more charities working to change outcomes for young people and support them in their education, or into training or work, which is why we've increased our funding pot to £300,000 this year."
Successful Previous Recipients Demonstrate Impact
The Foundation's previous funding has already made substantial differences in communities across the country:
- Thanet Community Development Trust has successfully run 10 cohorts of its Build a Future scheme, helping young people in Kent gain essential qualifications for construction careers.
- Bothwell Futures is using its donation to fund another two years of its employability programme for 16-year-olds in Bothwell and surrounding areas of South Lanarkshire.
- Bristol City Robins is piloting two innovative programmes providing tailored mentoring, life skills development and wellbeing support for different age groups.
- Stephen and George Charitable Trust is extending its alternative education and youth development programme for young people attending Pupil Referral Units in Merthyr Tydfil.
Application Details and Deadlines
The current funding round offers three £50,000 donations for UK-based projects focused on children and young people. The application deadline is set for 11.59pm on Sunday, March 15. All registered charities, including those who were unsuccessful in previous applications, are encouraged to apply through the Foundation section on the Persimmon Corporate website.
Successful applicants will receive notification of their awards in May 2026, allowing organisations to plan and implement their youth employability initiatives effectively. This funding represents a crucial opportunity for charities to expand their reach and impact in supporting vulnerable young people toward sustainable employment and educational pathways.
