Onside Foundation

The Onside Foundation, established in 2014 by entrepreneur Bill Holroyd drawing from the legacy of Bolton Lads and Girls Club, is a UK charity dedicated to raising and distributing funds for the OnSide Youth Zones network. Its core mission is to build and sustain state-of-the-art youth facilities in disadvantaged urban areas across England and Wales, providing safe, dynamic spaces that empower young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) to discover their potential. Guided by values of opportunity, inclusivity, empowerment, equality, diversity, and community partnership, the foundation's distinctive approach emphasizes catalytic collaborations with local authorities, businesses, and communities to create sustainable, high-impact youth provision that fosters personal development, resilience, and healthier lifestyles.

It funds the creation, refurbishment, and operation of Youth Zones, supporting activities in education and training, health and wellbeing, disability inclusion, arts and culture, amateur sports, economic and community development, employment, and recreation—always prioritizing disadvantaged and marginalized youth through skilled youth work programs.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities within the OnSide Youth Zones network; no unsolicited applications are accepted, with selections made via strategic partnerships. Preference is for larger organizations managing significant infrastructure, typically with incomes over £1 million, operating in high-need urban areas of England and Wales.

Grants range from £100,000 to £10 million, often exceeding £1 million for capital projects, awarded on a rolling, invitation-only basis with no public deadlines or forms. The foundation does not fund external organizations, unrestricted activities, or projects outside the OnSide model, setting it apart through its laser-focused, network-exclusive strategy for transformative youth infrastructure and embedded community change.