Onside Foundation
About This Funder
The Onside Foundation, established in 2014 by entrepreneur Bill Holroyd drawing from the legacy of Bolton Lads and Girls Club, is a UK charity dedicated to raising and distributing funds for the OnSide Youth Zones network. Its core mission is to build and sustain state-of-the-art youth facilities in disadvantaged urban areas across England and Wales, providing safe, dynamic spaces that empower young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) to discover their potential. Guided by values of opportunity, inclusivity, empowerment, equality, diversity, and community partnership, the foundation's distinctive approach emphasizes catalytic collaborations with local authorities, businesses, and communities to create sustainable, high-impact youth provision that fosters personal development, resilience, and healthier lifestyles.
It funds the creation, refurbishment, and operation of Youth Zones, supporting activities in education and training, health and wellbeing, disability inclusion, arts and culture, amateur sports, economic and community development, employment, and recreation—always prioritizing disadvantaged and marginalized youth through skilled youth work programs.
Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities within the OnSide Youth Zones network; no unsolicited applications are accepted, with selections made via strategic partnerships. Preference is for larger organizations managing significant infrastructure, typically with incomes over £1 million, operating in high-need urban areas of England and Wales.
Grants range from £100,000 to £10 million, often exceeding £1 million for capital projects, awarded on a rolling, invitation-only basis with no public deadlines or forms. The foundation does not fund external organizations, unrestricted activities, or projects outside the OnSide model, setting it apart through its laser-focused, network-exclusive strategy for transformative youth infrastructure and embedded community change.
Eligibility Checklist
Funding Details
Writing your application?
Free guides on what funders look for, common mistakes, and how to stand out
How to apply to Onside Foundation
Skip weeks of research. Write a strong application this afternoon — in your own words, with AI doing the heavy lifting.
Check your match
Describe your charity once and see how well you fit Onside Foundation's priorities — scored on location, cause, size, and 3 other factors.
Draft with your AI co-pilot
Paste the application question and word limit. The co-pilot writes a first draft using your charity's real data and this funder's criteria — not generic filler. You edit every word before it leaves.
Review, refine, submit
Every answer runs through an 8-point quality check — clear ask, funder alignment, measurable outcomes, and more. You stay in control. The AI does the drafting; you make it sound like you.
Is Onside Foundation right for your charity?
See your compatibility score and find similar funders.
Free · No credit card required
Similar Funders
Other funders with a similar profile and grant range.
Browse Related Grants
Apply to Onside Foundation
Match, draft, and review — all in one place.
Free. No credit card required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does Onside Foundation provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Onside Foundation directly for current funding levels.
Where does Onside Foundation fund charities?
Onside Foundation funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Onside Foundation?
With Fundermatcher, you describe your charity once and see your compatibility score with Onside Foundation. If you're a good fit, you can start drafting your application immediately using our AI co-pilot — paste each question and word limit, and the co-pilot writes a tailored first draft using your charity's real data and Onside Foundation's priorities. You review and edit every answer before submitting.
Will funders know my application was drafted with AI?
No. The co-pilot uses your charity's real name, numbers, and impact data — not generic filler or templates. Every draft reads like it was written by someone who knows your charity inside-out, because it's built on your actual profile. You edit and refine every word before it goes anywhere, so the final application sounds like you — because it is.
Your next application could be finished today
Onside Foundation is one of 3,500+ UK funders in our database. See how well they match your charity, discover similar funders, and find the ones most likely to fund your work.
Free · No credit card required
You've explored 18 funders — let us find your best matches
Describe your charity once and we'll match you with the most relevant funders from 3,500+ UK grant-makers.