Tim Henman Foundation

The Tim Henman Foundation, a UK-registered youth charity relaunched in June 2015 by former world No.4 tennis player Tim Henman OBE, is dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people through sport, education, and health initiatives. Rooted in Henman's personal ethos of equality of opportunity, it harnesses sport's power to boost physical/mental health, self-esteem, and aspiration in underserved communities. With a commitment to accessibility, measurable impact, collaboration, and rigorous governance—evidenced by annual reports and an active board—the foundation stands out as both a direct programme operator (delivering 41+ initiatives yearly via 73+ partners, reaching 9,500+ youth in 2022-23) and a targeted grant-maker, blending hands-on delivery with strategic funding for social mobility and health equity.

It prioritises programmes advancing access to sports like tennis, boxing, basketball, football, and multisport in deprived UK areas (bottom deprivation quartile); educational support for academic/career development; mental health interventions; and capital projects enhancing facilities. Key beneficiaries are youth up to age 25 facing social/economic disadvantage, SEND, ethnic minorities, or free school meals (66%+ of participants), with recent grants to organisations like West London Action for Children, Grief Encounter, and community schools/clubs.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, CICs, schools/special schools, companies limited by guarantee, and hospitals/hospices operating UK-wide (emphasis on high-deprivation zones like London, Oxfordshire, Surrey). It prefers small- to medium-sized groups serving high-need communities, with no strict income limits. Grants range from £1,000-£10,000 for fully-funded projects, equipment, one-offs, or start-ups—not core/ongoing costs or unrestricted funding. Applications via online form in biannual rounds (Round 1: June open, September decisions; Round 2: January open, March decisions), following trustee meetings; demonstrate clear need, impact, and alignment with sport/health/education goals for disadvantaged youth.