Onside Foundation

Could Onside Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Applications: Existing partners only
Decisions: Rolling (no fixed deadline)

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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About Onside Foundation

The Onside Foundation, established in 2014 by entrepreneur Bill Holroyd and inspired by the legacy of Bolton Lads and Girls Club, is a UK charity raising and distributing funds for the OnSide Youth Zones network. Its mission is to build and sustain state-of-the-art youth facilities in disadvantaged urban areas across England and Wales, creating safe, dynamic spaces where young people can discover their potential. The foundation is guided by values of opportunity, inclusivity, empowerment, equality, diversity, and community partnership, and it places strong emphasis on catalytic collaboration with local authorities, businesses, and communities. Its funding character is deliberately focused: it works exclusively through the OnSide network, concentrating resources on youth infrastructure and the services that bring those buildings to life.

What Onside Foundation funds

The foundation funds the creation, refurbishment, and operation of Youth Zones within the OnSide network. Supported activities span education and training, health and wellbeing, disability inclusion, arts and culture, amateur sports, economic and community development, employment, and recreation. This work is delivered through skilled youth work programmes that prioritise disadvantaged and marginalised young people, typically those aged 8 to 19, and up to 25 for young people with additional needs. All funded projects are based in disadvantaged urban areas across England and Wales, with the foundation favouring high-need locations where dedicated youth infrastructure can make the greatest difference.

Who can apply

Only UK-registered charities that are already part of the OnSide Youth Zones network can receive funding. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications; organisations are selected through strategic partnerships. It looks for bodies capable of managing significant infrastructure, generally the larger organisations behind Youth Zones in high-need urban communities. Priority is given to work benefiting disadvantaged and marginalised young people aged 8 to 19, extending to 25 for those with additional needs. Faith-based or non-religious organisations are equally welcome, as there is no religious restriction.

What Onside Foundation doesn't fund

The foundation does not fund external organisations outside the OnSide Youth Zones network, nor does it support unrestricted activities or projects that fall outside the OnSide model. Its resources are reserved for the network's own Youth Zones and their core purpose, so charities seeking general or non-network funding will not be eligible.

How they like to fund

Funding is provided exclusively to existing partners within the OnSide network. The foundation works by invitation and strategic partnership rather than open application, collaborating closely with local authorities, businesses, and communities to shape each project. It supports both the creation and refurbishment of Youth Zones alongside their ongoing operation, reflecting a partnership-based, network-exclusive approach.

How much does Onside Foundation give?

Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Onside Foundation’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Children & youth

How to apply to Onside Foundation

Onside 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 rolling (no fixed deadline).

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Onside Foundation.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Onside Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

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 the UK.

Does Onside Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Onside Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Onside Foundation?

Onside Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.