Risman Foundation

The Risman Foundation is an independent UK grant-making charity established in 2008 under the leadership of Michael Adam Risman and its trustees, dedicated to empowering the rising generation by supporting young people as future leaders and innovators tackling societal and planetary challenges. Guided by optimism, rigour, and a focus on human flourishing, it invests in education, sport, arts and culture, social entrepreneurship, climate action, and youth development initiatives that unlock talent, foster skills, promote diversity, and drive system change—evidenced by grants to Royal Academy of Arts exhibitions, BAFTA learning, scholarships, and the RGS-Risman Environmental Changemakers Accelerator.

It prioritises nonprofits advancing social mobility, educational access, arts enrichment, youth mental health, community leadership, and environmental stewardship, funding projects, multi-year programmes, capacity building, research, advocacy, social investment, and occasionally individuals or core costs, with a strong UK emphasis (England and Wales primary) but openness to international thematic impact benefiting youth.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities; while preferring medium-sized or larger organisations, it considers innovative smaller ones with scalable youth-focused impact—no strict income thresholds. Funding is strictly invitation-only, with no unsolicited applications accepted; trustees proactively identify partners via networks and invite proposals, deciding at biannual meetings (autumn/spring), though specific calls have public deadlines (e.g., 30 November 2025 for RGS scheme).

Typical grants range £5,000–£50,000, scaling to £100,000+ for high-impact partnerships; it avoids non-charitable activities or unfocused dispersals, distinguishing itself through catalytic, measurable interventions that inspire purpose-led youth and prioritise strategic, evidence-based philanthropy over general support.