The Hargreaves Foundation provides funding for organisations working to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. The Foundation focuses on projects that help young people under 18 who are experiencing poverty, living with a disability or struggling with mental health challenges.
The Foundation supports initiatives that use sport and education as tools to improve wellbeing, confidence and life opportunities for young people.
About the Hargreaves Foundation
The Hargreaves Foundation was established in 2020 by Peter Hargreaves and his family with the aim of transforming young lives through sport and education. The Foundation distributes around £2 million in grant funding each year to support projects that help young people fulfil their potential and improve their wellbeing and independence.
Funding focuses on programmes that provide meaningful opportunities for young people to develop confidence, skills and resilience.
How Much Funding Is Available
There is no minimum or maximum grant amount for Hargreaves Foundation funding.
Trustees assess each application individually and awards are based on the scale and impact of the proposed project. The Foundation distributes around £2 million in grants annually to organisations across the UK.
Grants are typically awarded to support clearly defined projects, initiatives or the purchase of specific items. Payments are often made directly to suppliers where appropriate.
What the Fund Supports
The Foundation supports projects that use sport or education to improve outcomes for young people.
Examples of supported activities include:
- Participatory sport programmes that improve physical and mental health
- Projects that make sport more accessible and affordable
- Educational activities that develop life skills and confidence
- Programmes that improve academic engagement and attainment
- Initiatives that build skills and attributes to support future employability
Projects should clearly demonstrate how they help young people develop wellbeing, independence and opportunities for the future.
Who Is Eligible
Applications are open to organisations working with children and young people under the age of 18.
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Schools and further education colleges
- NHS Trusts
Organisations must:
- Have a formal structure and low risk profile
- Have at least one set of published accounts
- Hold a bank account in the organisation’s name with at least two unconnected signatories
Applications are accepted from across the UK, although organisations based in or working in the South West of England may receive priority consideration.
What the Fund Will Not Support
The Hargreaves Foundation does not fund:
- Individuals
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Social enterprises or private companies
- Local authorities
- Core organisational funding
- Crisis funding
- Retrospective costs
- Projects that statutory bodies should fund
Funding must be used for clearly defined projects or specific items that align with the Foundation’s objectives.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online application form.
Applications are reviewed monthly following submission, and smaller grant requests may be approved quickly following the first Trustee review. Larger grants may require further information, such as budgets, quotes or site visits before a final decision is made.
Because the programme operates on a rolling basis, organisations can apply at any time.
Is This Right for Your Organisation
If your organisation delivers programmes that support disadvantaged children through sport or education, the Hargreaves Foundation could be a strong funding opportunity.
The programme is particularly suited to organisations that can demonstrate clear outcomes for young people, including improved wellbeing, confidence, life skills and opportunities for future success.
