About us
We are a not-for-profit organisation, working with communities, organisations and policymakers.
We support locally-led action, building knowledge around the issues people tell us they care about. We work collaboratively to improve lives and address shared challenges, driving social change for stronger communities and a fairer future.
Our founder, the social researcher and innovator Michael Young, laid down The Young Foundation’s roots in 1953. We have 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.
Our approach
A not-for-profit, ‘think and do’ organisation, The Young Foundation is the UK’s home for community research and social innovation. We work in cross-cutting, open and collaborative ways. With people at our heart, we bring expertise in participatory, qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research; social innovation and systems change; a socially transformative shift to net zero; and co-created evidence and policymaking on ‘what works’ for UK communities.
Read moreResearch
We engage communities in participatory, qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research, driving immediate, ongoing and practical impact in UK places.
Find out more about our researchInnovation and Practice
We build partnerships with communities, public systems, and enterprise to drive social innovation and shape new ways of working.
Our innovation and practice offerJust Transition and Sustainability
We co-create policy and identify the changes needed for a fair, sustainable, and socially transformative shift to net zero.
Just transition and sustainabilityInstitute for Community Studies
The Young Foundation’s evidence centre, we influence long-term societal change, bridging the gaps between UK communities, academia and policymaking.
Explore our Institute for Community Studies