Upp Foundation

Upp Foundation, established in 2016 as an independent UK charity by University Partnerships Programme (UPP), serves as a catalyst for innovation and partnership in the higher education sector and UK communities. With UPP as its sole funder but decisions made independently by Trustees, its mission centers on advancing the public good of universities by tackling barriers to equitable access, boosting employability, fostering civic engagement, and promoting lifelong learning and mental health. Rooted in evidence-led, impact-focused values, it champions structural change, collaboration, and scalable best practices over routine operations, convening policy debates and networks like the Civic University Commission to drive sector-wide progress.

The Foundation prioritizes initiatives enhancing access and retention for underrepresented groups—such as care leavers, people with criminal convictions, and underserved communities—alongside civic university agreements, student outcomes, and wellbeing. It supports universities, charities, and higher education bodies in England and Wales through grants for research, pilots, advocacy, network-building, and system-level change, exemplified by funding Unlock, Civic University Network (Sheffield Hallam), and Student Futures Commission. Beneficiaries include young people and disadvantaged students, with a focus on removing participation barriers and amplifying universities' social role.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions, preferably medium-to-large established organizations in England and Wales; unsolicited applications are not accepted—proposals are by invitation only. Trustees meet quarterly to approve grants ranging from £10,000 to £50,000 for time-limited projects. It excludes core funding, bursaries, capital grants, operations, or emergency relief, distinguishing itself as a niche, non-competitive funder dedicated to high-impact HE transformation without fundraising or grassroots support.