This Day Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: ??16,294,841
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: UK and South Africa

Contact Details

Website: www.this.day

Phone: +44(0)203 405 8484

Email: info@this.day

Address: 17 Portland Place, London W1B 1PU

Important Note: They do not accept unsolicited grant proposals - they find organizations through landscape reviews and research.

Overview

This Day Foundation was founded in 2023 by Gary Lubner, former CEO of Belron, with a mission to create “a fairer future for new generations.” Registered as a UK Charitable Incorporated Organisation (charity number 1195423) in 2021, previously known as The GL Jubilee Foundation, the foundation had substantial income of over ??16 million in 2024. The foundation focuses on systemic change to spread opportunity to young people, combining strategic business acumen with deep social consciousness. Leadership development is a central theme throughout their work, drawing from Lubner's extensive business experience and support of organizations like the Obama Foundation and Clore Social Leadership programme.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants to organizations and individuals in the UK and overseas through targeted landscape reviews rather than open applications. Specific grant amounts are not publicly disclosed.

Priority Areas

In South Africa:

• Early childhood development
• Youth unemployment initiatives
• Strengthening civil society

In the UK:

• Supporting refugees and asylum seekers
• Creating opportunities for young people
• Leadership development programs

Cross-cutting themes:

• Systemic change initiatives
• Organizations driving structural change
• Leadership development across all areas

What They Don't Fund

• The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications
• Focus is on systemic rather than direct service provision

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Governance and Leadership

Gary Lubner (Chair, appointed 2021): Former CEO of Belron, grew company from ~??1 billion to ??6 billion sales over 22 years. Anti-apartheid activist in the 1980s. Established Gary Lubner Scholarship at London Business School and serves on boards of Nelson Mandela Legacy Trust and Afrika Tikkun.

Dan Berelowitz (appointed 2022): Leads This Day Foundation operations, founded Spring Impact (non-profit strategy consulting).

Eldon Beinart (appointed 2021): Leads This Day Capital, experienced in investing and family capital.

James MacKready (appointed 2022): Runs the family office, previously worked in private wealth industry.

Key Leadership Quote: Lubner states: "I've never felt comfortable with the wealth I have. I don't think I deserve it, frankly. But it's the system we work in. And so I decided that I was going to give it all away."

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• No unsolicited applications accepted
• Foundation identifies organizations through landscape reviews and research
• Proactive identification of potential grantees
• No online application portal for general applicants

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified - likely varies by opportunity identified through their research process.

Success Rates

Not available - foundation works through targeted identification rather than competitive application processes.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable given their proactive identification approach.

Application Success Factors

Since they don't accept unsolicited applications, success factors relate to organizational positioning:

• Strong track record in priority areas: Early childhood development, youth employment, refugee support, or leadership development
• Systemic change approach: Focus on structural solutions rather than direct service
• Geographic alignment: Work in UK or South Africa
• Leadership focus: Organizations that develop leaders or are led by exceptional individuals
• Research visibility: Being discoverable through landscape mapping and sector research
• Innovation potential: Scalable solutions that can be strategically expanded

Funding Philosophy: Approximately 70% of funds support early childhood and youth unemployment charities in South Africa, with remainder supporting UK refugee and youth opportunity initiatives.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No direct applications: Cannot apply directly - focus on making your organization discoverable through sector networks and research
• Systemic focus required: Must demonstrate approach to structural change, not just service delivery
• Geographic specificity: Must work in their priority geographies (UK or South Africa)
• Leadership development: Strong preference for organizations with leadership development components
• Research-driven identification: Be visible in sector research, policy reports, and landscape reviews
• Innovation emphasis: Demonstrate scalable, innovative approaches to youth opportunity creation
• Relationship building: Connect through their existing network of grantees and sector partners

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Trust for London
• THE A B CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Barrow Cadbury Trust
• The Clore Duffield Foundation
• The Sussex Community Foundation
• The Rayne Foundation
• Unbound Philanthropy
• Paul Hamlyn Foundation
• National Lottery
• WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
• Google

References

• UK Charity Commission Register: register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5172668
• This Day Foundation website: www.this.day and www.this.day/about-us/
• Gary Lubner profile: www.this.day/founder-gary-lubner/
• British Future funders list (showing GL Jubilee Foundation/This Day Foundation as current funder)
• Various sector databases including NGO Explorer and Giving is Great charity factsheets
• Search conducted December 2024