Outset Foundation
About This Funder
The Outset Foundation is an independent UK charity established in June 2014 to promote self-employment and skills development, enabling individuals from underprivileged, socially excluded backgrounds—such as those facing economic hardship, disabilities, or ethnic disadvantages—to overcome employment barriers through entrepreneurship and micro-enterprise. Governed by trustees including Tim Jones and Rodney Baker-Bates, it leverages corporate, entrepreneurial, and European funding to amplify impact, embodying core values of empowerment, social mobility, economic inclusion, and local engagement via award-winning Outset services.
It funds targeted projects fostering entrepreneurial training, self-employment, and micro/small business growth in deprived areas across England and Wales, supporting sustainable job creation and economic resilience. Grants go to UK-registered charities, community groups, and occasionally individuals, backing direct services, advocacy, capacity building, and limited infrastructure for marginalised communities. Preference is for grassroots and small-to-medium organisations with local reach, without strict income thresholds.
Typical grants range from £5,000 to £25,000, with larger multi-year awards for strategic partnerships. Funding is invite-only via direct commissioning—no unsolicited applications, forms, or deadlines—with ad hoc trustee decisions aligned to programme cycles. It excludes unrestricted or emergency aid, distinguishing itself as a specialist catalyst for microenterprise-driven social change, prioritising commissioned innovations over open calls to maximise leverage and sustainability in tackling unemployment through enterprise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does Outset Foundation provide?
Outset Foundation typically provides grants ranging from £5,000 - £25,000.
Where does Outset Foundation fund charities?
Outset Foundation funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Outset Foundation?
With Fundermatcher, you describe your charity once and see your compatibility score with Outset 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 Outset 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.
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