Openwork Foundation

The Foundation supports UK-registered charities addressing physical or mental disabilities, serious illness, poverty, homelessness, social isolation, trauma, abuse, or bereavement. Funded activities include hospices, air ambulances, dementia care, financial literacy for youth, and support for disabled children or adults with complex needs. Grants cover projects, unrestricted operational costs, capital needs, and small discretionary awards, blending grassroots local initiatives with multi-year strategic partnerships. The Foundation primarily funds services delivered in the UK, though some overseas projects also qualify. They support a wide range of charities, from small grassroots groups to national bodies.

Charities are considered through nominations by Openwork members—colleagues, partners, and advisers. Eligible organisations must be UK-registered charities delivering primarily UK-focused services. No income thresholds apply, so both small grassroots groups and national bodies can apply. The Foundation prioritises charities that support vulnerable people facing disadvantage, including those with disabilities, serious illness, poverty, homelessness, social isolation, trauma, abuse, or bereavement. Some overseas projects also qualify.

The Foundation does not fund emergency relief or standalone capacity building that falls outside their core focus areas. These exclusions ensure that their funding remains concentrated on the responsive, relationship-driven grants that define their approach.

The Foundation makes grants that can be one-off or multi-year, covering projects, unrestricted operational costs, capital needs, and small discretionary awards. They work through nominations by Openwork members and do not accept unsolicited applications. The parent company adds 50% to all funds raised and covers administrative costs, maximising the impact of each donation.