Bridges Impact Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £442,318 (expenditure 2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: UK-based with focus on underserved communities

Contact Details

• Email: info@bridgesfundmanagement.com
• Phone: 020 3780 8000
• Website: bridgesfundmanagement.com/about-us/bridges-impact-foundation/

Overview

Bridges Impact Foundation (charity number 1129756) was established in 2009 as the charitable arm of Bridges Fund Management, a pioneering UK impact investor. The Foundation provides catalytic support and charitable funding for innovative solutions that drive better outcomes for underserved people and the planet. It operates through philanthropic and catalytic capital to fund projects that fall outside the scope of Bridges' investment activity. The Foundation receives funding primarily through Bridges' carry-holders who donate an amount equivalent to 10% of their carried interest. As of March 2024, the Foundation had total income of £280,629 and total expenditure of £442,318.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation provides financial and pro bono support to organizations working in specific thematic areas, though specific grant amounts are not publicly disclosed.

Priority Areas

• Improving Youth Mental Health: Supporting initiatives that address mental health challenges facing young people
• Combating Gender-based Violence: Funding organizations working to prevent and address violence against women and girls

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated in available documentation

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Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is governed by 8 trustees who serve without remuneration. The Foundation uniquely holds the “golden share” in Bridges Fund Management, which allows it to protect Bridges' core mission to create positive impact.

How to Apply to Bridges Impact Foundation

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Foundation works with “a select group of high-impact organisations” within their two specific focus areas. Organizations are identified and selected through the Foundation's internal processes rather than through open applications.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the Foundation's approach and current portfolio, organizations may come to their attention through:

• The Turner MIINT program - an MBA impact investing competition the Foundation co-produced for over a decade, which connects them with innovative social ventures
• Connections through Bridges Fund Management's broader impact investing network
• Their specific partnerships, such as being a Founder Patron of OnSide Youth Zones

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to invitation-only approach

Application Success Factors

Given the Foundation's selective approach:

• Strong alignment with their two core focus areas is essential
• Evidence of high impact potential in serving underserved communities
• Innovation in approach to either youth mental health or gender-based violence
• Potential for catalytic support to create systemic change
• Connection to Bridges Fund Management's wider impact investing ecosystem may be beneficial

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis with no public application process
• Focus exclusively on youth mental health and combating gender-based violence initiatives
• Current grantees include OnSide Youth Zones (specifically WEST Youth Zone) and Rising Sun Kent (domestic violence support)
• The Foundation values innovation and catalytic potential over traditional charitable approaches
• Building relationships through Bridges Fund Management's network or partner organizations may be the primary route to funding consideration
• The Foundation combines financial support with pro bono assistance, suggesting they value capacity building alongside funding

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Foundation For Children
• The Jordan Charitable Foundation
• The Sanderson Foundation
• The Neville Abraham Foundation
• Stanley And Zea Lewis Family Foundation
• The Macfarlane Family Foundation
• Fantastic Peach Foundation Uk Limited
• The Seaby Foundation
• The Abstract Foundation
• The Conway Charitable Foundation

References

• Bridges Fund Management website - About Bridges Impact Foundation
• Charity Commission Register - BRIDGES IMPACT FOUNDATION (1129756)
• Bridges Annual Report 2023/24
• Turner MIINT program website and partnership information