The Young Foundation

Who we are

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 culture and values

Driving positive change

Our mission is to develop better-connected communities and shape a fairer future. Together with individuals, organisations and policymakers, we explore new ways to tackle the issues people tell us they care about.

We believe that stronger communities, where people have influence, will secure the greatest wellbeing in society. That’s why we work with local people; to understand the issues affecting them, involve them in research, and innovate with them to drive positive change.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Young Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and as part of our commitment to increasing the diversity of our team we actively encourage people from Black and Ethnic Minority or other under-represented groups to apply for this role. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.