Big Yellow Foundation
Could Big Yellow Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- From £40,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- Quarterly
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
corporate.bigyellow.co.ukAbout Big Yellow Foundation
The Big Yellow Foundation is a charitable incorporated organisation established in 2017 by FTSE 250-listed Big Yellow Group Plc. Its mission is to drive employment and independence for vulnerable UK adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, including refugees, ex-offenders, ex-service personnel, and those with learning or physical disabilities. Rooted in practical support, dignity, and brighter futures, the Foundation evolved from a pilot programme. It emphasises proactive partnerships, matched customer and staff donations, in-kind resources such as free or discounted storage, volunteering opportunities, and work placements at Big Yellow sites. The Foundation funds proven charity partners that deliver employment outcomes, focusing on sustainable reintegration through hands-on, evidence-based programmes. It distinguishes itself through corporate synergy and deep partner engagement.
What Big Yellow Foundation funds
The Foundation supports initiatives that create employment pathways for vulnerable adults across the UK. Priority areas include refugee integration, ex-offender training and placements, disability inclusion, mental health support, and crisis responses such as the Ukraine sponsorship pathway. It also funds education and training programmes that build skills for work. The Foundation covers core organisational costs as well as occasional project or capacity-building costs, all aimed at sustainable reintegration. Work is hands-on and evidence-based, with a focus on practical outcomes. The Foundation operates UK-wide, partnering with charities that deliver measurable employment results.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities with a strong track record in vulnerable adult employability. The Foundation looks for medium-to-large organisations operating UK-wide. It prioritises charities working with refugees, ex-offenders, ex-service personnel, people with learning or physical disabilities, and those experiencing mental health challenges. Organisations should have proven, evidence-based programmes that deliver employment outcomes. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications; funding is by invitation only.
What Big Yellow Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not fund work that falls outside its employment-focused mission, such as general community support or activities not aimed at sustainable reintegration. It also does not support organisations without a strong, evidence-based track record in employability for vulnerable adults. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.
How they like to fund
Funding is by invitation only, with trustees selecting partners for thematic fit. The Foundation provides core grants to cover organisational costs, along with occasional project or capacity funding. It also offers in-kind support such as free or discounted storage, volunteering opportunities, and work placements at Big Yellow sites. Customer and staff donations are matched. The Foundation works in close partnership with its grantees, leveraging corporate assets for maximum impact.
How much does Big Yellow Foundation give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Big Yellow Foundation
Big Yellow Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
- Decisions are typically quarterly.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Big Yellow Foundation.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Big Yellow Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Big Yellow Foundation provide?
Big Yellow Foundation typically provides grants from £40,000.
Where does Big Yellow Foundation fund charities?
Big Yellow Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Big Yellow Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Big Yellow Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Big Yellow Foundation?
Big Yellow Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Big Yellow Foundation be a fit?
Check free — then find open funders like them.