In a landmark step to help children and young people stay safe and thrive, four of the UK’s largest charitable funders have come together in a powerful new partnership. 

The Youth Endowment Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, BBC Children in Need and Sport England are the founding partners of the Serious Change Funders Partnership. This bold and ambitious initiative brings funders together with a shared goal: to prevent children from being harmed by or drawn into violence. They will do this by listening to children’s experiences and deeply understanding what has changed things for children before. 

Each funder already supports vital work in communities across the country. But this new partnership recognises that by working together, they can go further. By setting shared priorities, aligning funding with evidence and using their collective voice and influence, they can drive serious, lasting change. 

And this is just the start. In time, the partnership will grow to include more funders who share the same commitment to keeping children safe and helping communities thrive. 

The Serious Change Funders Partnership will be formally launched ahead of a Youth Opportunity Summit, hosted by His Majesty The King, at St James’s Palace on Tuesday 15th July 2025. 

Jon Yates, CEO at Youth Endowment Fund, said: “Every child deserves to grow up safe and supported. By coming together and focusing on what works to prevent violence, we can make that hope more real. We’re proud to be part of this partnership and excited about the real, lasting change it can bring. It’s an honour to join King Charles as we launch this vital work.” 

David Knott, CEO of The National Community Fund, said: “For too many young people, growing up feeling unsafe has become a reality. As the UK’s largest community funder, we are committed to supporting work that places young people at its heart to keep them safe and support them to thrive. We are proud to be joining as a founding partner of this ambitious initiative to share learning and increase impact, giving children and young people the best chances in life.” 

Simon Antrobus, CEO of BBC Children in Need, said: “Our ambition is to give every child the opportunity to thrive. We know that when young people build positive relationships with trusted adults in their lives, they are better able to stay safe, make good choices and reach their full potential. On our own we can deliver change but when we collaborate, that change can be truly transformational. We owe it to the young people of the UK to raise our game. We look forward to seeing the positive and lasting difference working collectively can bring, and we’re honoured to launch this powerful piece of work ahead of a Youth Opportunity Summit, hosted by His Majesty The King.” 

Jeanette Bain-Burnett, Executive Director Policy and Integrity at Sport England, said: “Access to sport and physical activity can be life-changing for young people, helping them build confidence, connect with others and feel a sense of belonging. For too many, especially in underserved communities, fractures and inequalities remain. 

  

“Sport England is proud to be a founding partner of the Serious Change Funders Partnership, working with like-minded organisations on a shared ambition to bring about positive change for more young people across England.” 

Together, we can build a safer future for every child.