Grants

Each year the UPP Foundation funds a small number of pilot projects which tackle key issues within our strategic themes. Successful applications demonstrate:

• A new or innovative approach to tackling relevant issues
• A commitment to collaboration and/or working in partnership
• How the UPP Foundation can measurably add value to the project
• A clear plan for long-term sustainability independent of support from the UPP Foundation

We fund universities and registered charities in the UK. We also consider applications from non-registered groups with a clear social purpose, social enterprises, community groups and other charitable bodies.

2019-2020 Grants

This year the UPP Foundation invested £100,000 in five pilot projects (these projects are in addition to our existing multi-year commitments and proactive grants, where the Foundation seeks out partners). The projects were selected by Trustees following the submission of almost 50 applications – the highest number the UPP Foundation has received to date. Grants were awarded to:

• Help homeless students gain access to university (University of Chichester)
• Provide tuition for young people to retake English and Maths GCSEs (Get Further)
• Encourage and support students to remain and contribute to their local economy (The Bridge Group)
• Host work placements for international postgraduate students with SMEs (University of Manchester)
• Engage the public in developing a civic university agreement (Goldsmiths, University of London)

The five pilot projects were chosen on the basis of their overall quality, synergy with the UPP Foundation’s strategic themes, commitment to partnership, innovative approach and potential for sector-wide impact.