Arete Foundation

The Arete Foundation is a UK-registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (charity number 1184657) dedicated to promoting social inclusion and empowering young people at risk of becoming not in education, employment, or training (NEET), primarily in England's North West. Established to prevent social exclusion, relieve the needs of marginalised youth, and support their integration into society, it emphasises practical interventions that build confidence, skills, and prospects through a flexible, trust-based approach fostering long-term grantee partnerships.

It funds projects tackling youth disadvantage, including mental well-being, food insecurity, youth voice, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. Supported activities encompass capital grants for buildings, equipment, vehicles, and fixtures; initiatives enhancing employability, wellbeing, and social responsibility; and community-rooted efforts like sports-based engagement, empowerment programmes, and mental health support for at-risk young people. Recent grantees include A&K Football Education CIC, Open Door Birkenhead, and local youth centres delivering direct impact.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and CICs operating in the North West of England, especially Birkenhead and Merseyside, with no income thresholds—prioritising grassroots to medium-sized groups working locally with vulnerable youth. Applications are unsolicited via online form on a rolling basis, with trustee decisions following meetings (timelines unspecified); typical grants range from £5,000 to £25,000, including unrestricted support for charities and restricted for others.

Distinctively place-based and youth-focused, Arete avoids generalist or non-regional efforts, national partnerships, or non-inclusion agendas, standing out for funding capital needs, core capacity, and sustained change through responsive, relationship-driven grantmaking.