Upp Foundation

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

Typical grants: £10,000 – £50,000
Applications: By invitation only
Decisions: Quarterly

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

Check fit free · no card

About Upp Foundation

Upp Foundation was established in 2016 as an independent UK charity, founded by University Partnerships Programme (UPP) but with independent trustee decisions. Its mission is to advance the public good of universities by tackling barriers to equitable access, improving employability, fostering civic engagement, and promoting lifelong learning and mental health. The Foundation values evidence-led, impact-focused approaches, championing structural change and collaboration over routine operations. It serves as a catalyst for innovation and partnership in the higher education sector and UK communities, convening policy debates and networks to drive sector-wide progress.

What Upp Foundation funds

The Foundation supports initiatives that enhance access and retention for underrepresented groups, including care leavers, people with criminal convictions, and underserved communities. It funds universities, charities, and higher education bodies in England and Wales for research, pilots, advocacy, and network-building. Specific themes include equitable access, employability, civic engagement, lifelong learning, and mental health. Beneficiaries are primarily young people and disadvantaged students, with a focus on removing participation barriers and amplifying the social role of universities.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions. The Foundation prioritises initiatives benefiting young people and disadvantaged students, particularly those from underrepresented groups such as care leavers and people with criminal convictions. Proposals are by invitation only; unsolicited applications are not accepted. The Foundation works with universities, charities, and higher education bodies across England and Wales.

What Upp Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not fund core operational costs, bursaries, capital projects, or emergency relief. It distinguishes itself as a niche funder dedicated to high-impact higher education transformation, rather than routine operations or grassroots support.

How they like to fund

The Foundation funds time-limited projects by invitation only. Grants support research, pilots, advocacy, and network-building, focusing on structural change and collaboration. It does not accept unsolicited proposals and does not fund core costs or capital projects.

How much does Upp Foundation give?

£10,000 – £50,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

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

EducationChildren & youthMental healthCommunity

How to apply to Upp Foundation

Upp 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 quarterly.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Upp 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 Upp Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Upp Foundation provide?

Upp Foundation typically provides grants of £10,000 - £50,000.

Where does Upp Foundation fund charities?

Upp Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Upp Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Upp Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Upp Foundation?

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