Hargreaves Foundation

The Foundation funds projects, equipment, training, events, and capital works that support participatory sport and educational activities. Priority is given to initiatives that enable children and young people to experience the mental and physical health benefits of sport, improve accessibility including affordability, foster life skills, boost academic engagement and attainment, and develop skills and personal attributes for future employability. The Foundation operates UK-wide, with a focus on young people facing disability, mental health challenges, or poverty. They fund work in the areas of children and youth, disability, mental health, poverty and hardship, sport and recreation, and education and skills.

Registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, schools, and NHS trusts are eligible to apply. The Foundation supports organisations working with children and young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with disabilities, or experiencing mental health challenges. They do not fund individuals, social enterprises, community interest companies, local authorities, or private companies.

The Foundation does not fund core costs, salaries, feasibility studies, emergency appeals, or research. They also exclude items that statutory bodies have a duty to fund, retrospective funding for spending already incurred, and general community projects not focused on sport or education for young people.

Grants are one-off and time-limited, with projects or activities expected to be completed within 12 months. They fund specific projects, equipment, training, events, or capital works. The Foundation welcomes unsolicited applications and takes a hands-on, evidence-based approach to assessing proposals.