Progress Foundation
About This Funder
The Progress Foundation, a London-based grant-giving trust established in 2008, is dedicated to enabling disadvantaged young people in Greater London to fully participate in society by overcoming barriers through education, employment pathways, and social enterprise engagement. With a vision rooted in addressing structural inequities via practical, evidence-based interventions, it has distributed around £4 million to nearly 100 charities over 17 years, emphasizing measurable impacts on life chances for youth aged primarily 14-21 (extending occasionally to under-14s or up to 25). Its distinctive approach prioritizes catalytic, time-limited support for organizations with strong leadership and robust delivery models, fostering educational achievement, vocational readiness, and civic participation.
It funds programme-specific projects tackling youth unemployment, educational disengagement, criminal justice involvement, and social exclusion, such as mentoring for care leavers, employment initiatives for young ex-offenders, and integration schemes for young migrants. Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities operating principally in Greater London, with a preference for small to medium-sized, grassroots organizations demonstrating solid management capacity; no strict income thresholds apply, but larger national charities are less aligned.
Grants typically range from £10,000 to £15,000 per year (rarely exceeding £25,000 annually) for up to three years, with about £50,000 allocated yearly to new projects. Currently not accepting unsolicited applications following the 31 August 2025 deadline—under internal review, with future rounds announced on the website via online form only (one annual round historically, no pre-application advice). Exclusions include capital projects, individual grants, unsolicited core/unrestricted funding (reserved rarely for proven partners), and work outside Greater London, setting it apart through its laser focus on youth progression and insistence on sustained, high-impact change.
Frequently Asked Questions about Progress Foundation
How much funding does Progress Foundation provide?
Progress Foundation typically provides grants ranging from £10,000 - £15,000.
Is Progress Foundation accepting applications?
Yes, Progress Foundation is currently open to applications from eligible charities.
Where does Progress Foundation fund charities?
Progress Foundation funds charities operating in Greater London.
How do I apply for funding from Progress Foundation?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Progress Foundation, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.