The fund focuses on early, structured support that helps young people build real‑world experience and move towards paid employment.
Organisations need to address the key aims of the fund which are to:
- Embed trained job coaches in school settings so young people receive consistent, person-centred employment support.
- Provide early, structured vocational profiling and careers preparation, helping young people identify strengths, interests and aspirations.
- Create meaningful, well-matched work experiences that give young people exposure to workplaces, rather than generic or tokenistic placements.
- Strengthen partnerships between schools, support networks, employers and specialist providers, ensuring support for young people through a joined-up ecosystem.
- Build clear pathways into supported internships, employment and paid work.
Applications will be accepted from charitable organisations registered in and working in the UK including:
- Registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) that are not-for-profit with an asset lock
- Other not for profit charitable organisations delivering work aligned with the Foundation's objects
To be eligible, applicants must be based and delivering services in the UK, have an annual income of £3 million or less, and at least one year of audited or independently examined accounts.
A live webinar will be held on 21 July 2026 (11 am to 12 noon). Registration is required. A recording and transcript will be available for those who cannot attend.
The first step in the application process is to take the 'simple' online eligibility checker to determine whether the organisation is eligible to apply. This is currently available.
Expressions of interest will be accepted from 22 July (9am) until the deadline of 2 September 2026 (17:00).