As we approach our 60th anniversary since Joseph (Joe) Levy established the Foundation, we are committing our resources to a cause that Joe actively supported throughout his life.
Disadvantaged young people will be our focus, and we will be working hard to contribute to a future where everyone under 35 has fair access to everything they need to flourish.
Our approach to grant making will continue to be guided by our values. Our commitment to equity means we will prioritise young people most in need – our adherence to integrity means we will be transparent about how we make decisions – and our belief in community engagement means we will build trusted relationships with everyone we support.
Our strategy also goes beyond grants. Financial support alone is not enough to make a meaningful difference.
This is why we will be using our resources and convening power to recruit a young advisory board (paid opportunity) and participate in cross-sector partnerships. We will listen and support disadvantaged young people, and we will work alongside others who share our values and ambitions.
Our commitment to collaboration ran through the strategy development process. Trustees, the Foundation’s team, organisations that support young people, and – most importantly – young people themselves all contributed.
We want our funding and support to make a meaningful difference to the organisations and individuals that we back. Their success is vital in quelling the tide of disadvantage afflicting many young people.
Message from Denise Ramsey, Executive Director:
Our new five-year strategy is one that reflects our bold vision for a more just and inclusive future.
By focusing on disadvantaged people under 35, and listening to those with lived experience, we aim to shape support that truly reflects the realities of young people’s lives today.
We’re centring young people in all that we do — recognising that young people’s lives are complex, and fair access to what they need to thrive is not available to all – and it should be.
Shaped through deep engagement with those we serve, this strategy reaffirms our commitment to backing those who support young people who are most in need, right now. We know that transformative change often begins in communities, led by those with lived experience — and we’re determined to resource it fairly and fearlessly.
In a challenging and evolving landscape for the third sector, we believe this approach is both timely and necessary. We look forward to working alongside young people, partners, peers, and communities to turn our vision into meaningful action.
Thank you to all who have kindly offered their time as we reimagined the foundations strategy. The cross–UK visits and the collaborative strategy day with partners, young people, and trustees have been invaluable.