Arete Foundation

The Foundation funds work that directly benefits young people in education, skills or employment. Its programmes include local community grants, which can cover core costs, salaries and project delivery, and long-term local partnerships, which provide multi-year project funding. The Foundation also has a national partnerships programme by invitation. All funded work is focused on the North West of England, with a particular emphasis on young people at risk of becoming, or already, NEET, and prioritises tangible employment and education outcomes.

Registered charities, community groups, social enterprises, and community interest companies can apply. Organisations must be based and working in the North West of England. The Foundation prioritises grassroots to medium-sized groups working locally with vulnerable young people. There is no income threshold. Applications are unsolicited and accepted on a rolling basis.

The Foundation does not fund organisations outside the North West of England or projects that do not directly benefit young people in education, skills or employment. Generalist or non-regional efforts are not supported.

The Foundation offers both one-off local community grants and multi-year long-term local partnerships. It welcomes unsolicited applications and works through a flexible, trust-based approach to grantmaking, fostering long-term relationships with grantees. Core costs, salaries, and project delivery can be funded.