UnLtd

UnLtd, formerly The Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs, is a UK-registered charity established in 2002 by a consortium of seven non-profits with a £100 million Millennium Commission endowment. Its core mission is to find, fund, and support social entrepreneurs delivering bold solutions to societal challenges, guided by values of inclusiveness, impact, empowerment, and diversity. UnLtd fosters a UK-wide ecosystem where enterprising individuals—especially those with lived experience—drive systemic change through sustainable social ventures, offering comprehensive packages of unrestricted grants, mentoring, business support, networking, and investment rather than transactional funding.

It prioritises social entrepreneurship addressing financial inclusion, mental health for disadvantaged youth, disabled- and BAME-led initiatives, education, social mobility, and community regeneration. At least 50% of awards target leaders who are disabled and/or Black, Asian, or minority ethnic, benefiting marginalised groups like young people, minoritised communities, and those facing poverty. Supported activities span start-ups, pilots, scale-ups (under 4 years trading), skills development, outreach, and systemic programmes creating measurable impact, wellbeing, and equity.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, social enterprises, and community groups based anywhere in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) with turnover under £250,000, accepting unsolicited applications via an online portal in capped rounds (e.g., 'Starting Up' <1 year trading; 'Scaling Up' 1-4 years). Typical grants range £500-£8,000 (start-up) to £8,000-£18,000 (scaling), with decisions 10-12 weeks post-deadline like 31 December 2025.

UnLtd excludes established ventures over 4 years or £250,000 income, large charities, capital costs, project-only/academic funding, or non-public benefit activities. Its distinctive relational, multiyear model emphasises equity, innovation, and leadership by those closest to issues, differentiating it as a resilient builder of diverse social entrepreneurship.