£50,000 Funding Opportunity Available Through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation

UK charities working with young people, employability and communities facing disadvantage are being encouraged to apply for a significant funding opportunity through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation's second funding round of 2026 is now open, with three grants of £50,000 available for charities delivering projects that help improve opportunities and outcomes for young people and communities across the UK.

What Funding is Available?

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation distributes £300,000 each year through its Open Application Programme, awarding six grants of £50,000 across two funding rounds. Three successful organisations will receive funding in this latest round, with awards announced in September 2026.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are invited from registered charities delivering UK-based projects that focus on one or more of the following priorities:

• Children and young people aged 14 to 25
• Employability and pathways into work
• Supporting communities experiencing economic and social deprivation

Projects should demonstrate how the funding will create meaningful outcomes and opportunities for beneficiaries.

About the Persimmon Charitable Foundation

Established in 2015, the Persimmon Charitable Foundation aims to tackle inequality, improve social mobility and support communities facing disadvantage. Since its launch, the Foundation has donated millions of pounds to charities and community organisations across the UK.

The Open Application Programme was introduced in 2025 to provide more charities with access to larger grants. Demand has been high, with over 1,200 applications received during the programme's first year.

Recent successful projects have included:

• Youth employability programmes
• Homelessness prevention initiatives
• Alternative education projects
• Skills and training opportunities for young people
• Mentoring and wellbeing support programmes

These projects have helped young people overcome barriers to education, employment and training while building confidence, skills and resilience.

Why This Matters for the VCSE Sector

With many charities facing increasing demand and ongoing funding pressures, unrestricted grants of this size are relatively rare. Organisations supporting young people, helping individuals into employment, or working within disadvantaged communities may find this opportunity particularly valuable.

The fund may be especially relevant for organisations delivering:

• Youth work and youth development programmes
• Employability and skills projects
• Training and mentoring schemes
• Community development initiatives
• Programmes supporting young people not in education, employment or training (NEET)
• Projects addressing poverty and social exclusion

Deadline

The deadline for applications is:

11:59pm on Sunday 21 June 2026

Successful applicants will be announced in September 2026.

Find Out More and Apply

Applications must be submitted directly through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation.

Persimmon Charitable Foundation Open Application Programme

We encourage eligible charities across Hull and East Yorkshire to review the criteria and consider whether this opportunity could support their work with young people and communities.