Societe Generale UK Foundation: Bright Futures Grants

Overview

Unrestricted grants are available for registered charities and charitable organisations for projects and initiatives across the UK which directly support people from marginalised groups to be empowered and equipped to access education and employment.

The fund launches in 2025 as a pilot to test the approach. The programme will be reviewed after the first year and changes may be introduced for subsequent years.

The fund will be delivered by Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

Objectives of Fund

The grants are designed to support organisations which are providing opportunities to develop aspirations, confidence, and mental health, helping individuals from marginalised communities to build brighter futures and contribute meaningfully to society.

The funding is for projects that develop key skills, attitudes and attributes to foster equitable education and employment outcomes nationwide. Funded initiatives must demonstrate a clear and measurable impact, ensuring that individuals from marginalised communities are supported to meet one or more of the following goals:

• Pursue and sustain their aspirations.
• Enhance their confidence and self-belief.
• Strengthen their mental health, wellbeing, and resilience

Funding Available

One-year grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available during the first year.

Multiple year funding may be available after the pilot year.

Applicants should not apply for a grant that exceeds 30% of the last year’s income of their organisation.

Who Can Apply

UK registered charities or organisations with a recognised charitable purpose may apply.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be located in the UK and support UK based beneficiaries.
• Have a governing document.
• Have a bank account in the organisation's name.

Eligible Expenditure

Unrestricted grants are available.

The funding must further a recognised charitable purpose. This might include advancing education, relieving unemployment, prevention or relief of poverty, advancement of health, relief of sickness or relief of need because of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.

The following are examples of projects that use their expertise to deliver activities that help people from marginalised groups develop aspirations, confidence and mental health:

• Youth Mentorship and Career Development Programs (Aspirations & Confidence)
  • The project supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and exposure to career pathways, helping them set goals and build confidence in their abilities.
  • The project supports young people from underprivileged communities to access higher education through academic support, mentoring, and career workshops.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support Initiatives (Mental Health & Confidence)
  • The project works to improve mental health outcomes for Black communities through culturally appropriate services, advocacy, and peer support networks.
  • The project is an online community offering mental health support and reducing social isolation for marginalized individuals.
• Employment and Skills Training Programs (Confidence & Aspirations)
  • A project that provides free coding training for refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals from low-income backgrounds, equipping them with tech skills and pathways to employment.
  • A project that supports women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to gain skills, qualifications, and job placements in the construction industry.
•  Social Enterprises and Community-Led Initiatives (Aspirations, Confidence, Mental Health)
  • The project helps young people facing barriers to employment by offering entrepreneurship programs, vocational training, and confidence-building workshops.
  • The project employs refugees and young people seeking asylum as market stall vendors, helping them build work experience, financial independence, and social connections.