Openwork Foundation

The Openwork Foundation, a UK-registered charity established in 1981 by The Openwork Partnership—one of the UK's largest financial adviser networks—exists to improve the quality of life for vulnerable people facing disadvantage, from newborns to the elderly, both in the UK and overseas. Rooted in values of community, inclusivity, and tangible impact, its distinctive approach empowers Openwork colleagues, partners, and advisers to drive fundraising, volunteering, and project selection, embedding corporate social responsibility into daily operations. With over £23 million awarded since inception—exceeding £1 million annually recently—it supports more than 1,500 projects, changing over 7,000 lives in 2024 alone through responsive, relationship-driven grant-making.

It prioritises UK-registered charities addressing physical or mental disabilities, serious illness, poverty, homelessness, social isolation, trauma, abuse, or bereavement. Funded activities include hospices, air ambulances, dementia care, financial literacy for youth (e.g., Young Enterprise), and support for disabled children or adults with complex needs. Grants cover projects, unrestricted operational costs, capital needs, and small discretionary awards, blending grassroots local initiatives (e.g., homeless shelters) with multi-year strategic partnerships like Dementia UK (£50,000/year for three years).

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities based in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), delivering primarily UK-focused services, though some overseas projects qualify; no income thresholds apply, spanning small grassroots groups to national bodies. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—nominations by Openwork members are required, followed by supported application packs reviewed quarterly by the Grants Committee, with smaller grants processed year-round. Typical awards range £5,000–£15,000, plus £100–£500 discretionary or larger strategic sums.

Distinctively, Openwork Holdings uplifts all funds by 50% and covers admin costs for maximum frontline impact, with independent trustees relying on employee networks for agile, community-voiced decisions—no open rounds, emergency relief, or standalone capacity building outside core categories.