Bridges Impact Foundation

Bridges Impact Foundation, a UK-registered charity established in 2009 by Bridges Fund Management, drives catalytic philanthropic support for innovative solutions benefiting underserved people and the planet, particularly where commercial investments fall short. Holding a 'golden share' in its parent firm, it safeguards social mission alignment, funded primarily by Bridges carry-holders pledging 10% of profits. Core values emphasize innovation, mission-led collaboration, and amplifying impact through market-building, venture philanthropy, and staff volunteering, distinguishing it as a pioneer in integrating finance with philanthropy.

The Foundation prioritizes three areas: growing sustainable impact investing infrastructure, venture philanthropy for high-impact social ventures and charities tackling youth mental health and gender-based violence, and enabling Bridges staff charitable activities via matched giving. It supports scalable initiatives like the Bridges Social Entrepreneurs Fund, Impact Frontiers training for investors, and the Turner MIINT programme, focusing on UK-based but globally extensible capacity-building for systems-level change in unequal opportunity.

Eligible entities are UK-registered charities or social enterprises, preferably medium-to-large scale organisations demonstrating mission alignment and impact potential; no strict income thresholds or geographic base required, though primary focus is UK with cross-border elements. It does not accept unsolicited applications—funding is discretionary, identified via strategic partnerships without public calls or portals.

Grants, awarded on a rolling basis with no deadlines, typically range from £25,000 to £250,000 for catalytic project/organisational support, core funding, or market innovation, emphasizing additionality and unlocking further capital. Exclusions include broad social causes outside themes; its unique edge lies in finance-philanthropy synergy and rigorous, conflict-free oversight.