Social innovation
We build participation with people from diverse sectors to shape game-changing initiatives.
At The Young Foundation, we believe that a fairer and sustainable future is only possible through deeper participation between communities, public services, private and charitable institutions.
This is a time of great transition of our social, economic, and environmental systems, which demands creative ideas, new ways of working, and a focus on impact.
To navigate this environment, we believe innovation must be a social and collaborative process. One that unlocks the power of diversity and difference.
We work in partnership with communities, public systems, and enterprise. We create space for learning and experimentation to bring about big ideas and new ways of working, shaping a fairer future together.
Impact
Helping UK businesses and enterprise achieve greater social impact.
Leadership
Growing the power and potential of communities to participate in social change, supporting those closest to issues to take action.
Collaboration
Creating the conditions for people and institutions to collaborate and design, test and grow new ideas and new ways of working to achieve a fairer and sustainable future.
Impact
Helping UK businesses and enterprise achieve greater social impact.
Leadership
Growing the power and potential of communities to participate in social change, supporting those closest to issues to take action.
Collaboration
Creating the conditions for people and institutions to collaborate and design, test and grow new ideas and new ways of working to achieve a fairer and sustainable future.
Impact
Helping UK businesses and enterprise achieve greater social impact.
How we work and what we do
We support organisations and individuals to work reflectively, inclusively and collaboratively. Spotlighting often overlooked and implicit parts of a system, we work in partnership to curate visions and strategies tailored to our partners and clients, creating the unique conditions to nurture innovation, action and learning.
Get in touchProjects and programmes
Funding programme supports ‘fresh thinking’ in the heritage sector
As the National Lottery Heritage Fund awards 35 grants to drive innovation in the heritage sector, we’re supporting grantees to develop their ideas and skills.
Time to invest in community leadership
A report by The Young Foundation’s Chief Executive, Helen Goulden, explores the role and value of community leadership – and suggests what’s needed to support it.
The Young Academy
The Young Academy Investment Fund launched in 2014 as a pilot social impact fund
Community Research Networks
Community Research Networks programme is a two-phase funding opportunity, putting communities at the heart of research.
Community Knowledge Fund
The Community Knowledge Fund supports communities to play a stronger role in research and innovation.
Funding programme supports ‘fresh thinking’ in the heritage sector
As the National Lottery Heritage Fund awards 35 grants to drive innovation in the heritage sector, we’re supporting grantees to develop their ideas and skills.
Time to invest in community leadership
A report by The Young Foundation’s Chief Executive, Helen Goulden, explores the role and value of community leadership – and suggests what’s needed to support it.
The Young Academy
The Young Academy Investment Fund launched in 2014 as a pilot social impact fund
Community Research Networks
Community Research Networks programme is a two-phase funding opportunity, putting communities at the heart of research.
Community Knowledge Fund
The Community Knowledge Fund supports communities to play a stronger role in research and innovation.
Funding programme supports ‘fresh thinking’ in the heritage sector
As the National Lottery Heritage Fund awards 35 grants to drive innovation in the heritage sector, we’re supporting grantees to develop their ideas and skills.
Time to invest in community leadership
A report by The Young Foundation’s Chief Executive, Helen Goulden, explores the role and value of community leadership – and suggests what’s needed to support it.
The Young Academy
The Young Academy Investment Fund launched in 2014 as a pilot social impact fund
Publications
Communities Driving Change: our journey to systemic change
Social action Systems change24 December 2020
In a borough where health inequalities are rife, this project imagined a new type of relationship between institutions and residents, shifting control over local health and wellbeing priorities.
Communities Driving Change: shifting local systems
Social action Systems change23 December 2020
This programme supported residents in Tower Hamlets to take action for improved health and wellbeing in their communities, co-designing and developing grassroots solutions to enable real change.
No Wrong Door: How an integrated employment and skills system can support Londoners
Education and employment Local government and public services5 July 2023
Commissioned by the Mayor of London, this report explores the needs of people accessing skills and employment services.
The Open Book of Social Innovation
Social innovation Systems change YF Heritage Collection1 March 2010
With input from hundreds of organisations, this publication explores the methods and tools for innovation being used across the world and across the different sectors.
Quest for the ‘S’ in ESG
Environment Innovation and Investment Social action Social innovation9 February 2023
How can businesses act in both environmentally and socially responsible ways? What are the trade-offs between sustainability and social outcomes? This report examines how FTSE 100 companies approach ESG.
Communities Driving Change: our journey to systemic change
Social action Systems change24 December 2020
In a borough where health inequalities are rife, this project imagined a new type of relationship between institutions and residents, shifting control over local health and wellbeing priorities.
Communities Driving Change: shifting local systems
Social action Systems change23 December 2020
This programme supported residents in Tower Hamlets to take action for improved health and wellbeing in their communities, co-designing and developing grassroots solutions to enable real change.
No Wrong Door: How an integrated employment and skills system can support Londoners
Education and employment Local government and public services5 July 2023
Commissioned by the Mayor of London, this report explores the needs of people accessing skills and employment services.
The Open Book of Social Innovation
Social innovation Systems change YF Heritage Collection1 March 2010
With input from hundreds of organisations, this publication explores the methods and tools for innovation being used across the world and across the different sectors.
Quest for the ‘S’ in ESG
Environment Innovation and Investment Social action Social innovation9 February 2023
How can businesses act in both environmentally and socially responsible ways? What are the trade-offs between sustainability and social outcomes? This report examines how FTSE 100 companies approach ESG.
Communities Driving Change: our journey to systemic change
Social action Systems change24 December 2020
In a borough where health inequalities are rife, this project imagined a new type of relationship between institutions and residents, shifting control over local health and wellbeing priorities.
Communities Driving Change: shifting local systems
Social action Systems change23 December 2020
This programme supported residents in Tower Hamlets to take action for improved health and wellbeing in their communities, co-designing and developing grassroots solutions to enable real change.
No Wrong Door: How an integrated employment and skills system can support Londoners
Education and employment Local government and public services5 July 2023
Commissioned by the Mayor of London, this report explores the needs of people accessing skills and employment services.
Our legacy of social innovation
The Young Foundation has a long and a proud history of community-led innovation, incubating more than 80 new organisations – including The Open University, The School for Social Entrepreneurs, Year Here, Social Innovation Exchange, and many others. We collaborate to understand, involve and innovate, and today, we work with people and organisations, linking research and innovation as connected processes.
Find out moreWork with us
Collaborating with large and small charities and corporates, and with diverse communities, we design and deliver solutions tailored to specific issues. Find out how we could support you.