The Openwork Foundation
Who we support
As part of Openwork, one of the UK’s largest financial networks, Owl Financial is proud to support The Openwork Foundation.
By doing so, we are able to support UK and overseas charities by contributing to the funding of specific projects or operational costs through the Openwork Foundation’s grant programmes:
• National partnership grants
• Local and Discretionary grants
Together with others in the Openwork group, we help raise money for good causes and make generous personal donations. All members also have the opportunity to nominate an eligible UK registered charity for a grant.
Charities that wish to apply for funding through any of our grant programmes must be nominated by a staff member or Adviser working with Openwork Ltd. We do not accept unsolicited applications for any of our grants.
In addition to raising funds and awarding grants, members are encouraged to volunteer within their local communities, through the Openwork Foundation’s community challenge opportunities
In the community
A fundamental focus area for the Openwork Foundation is supporting local people and local communities.
The Openwork Foundation has been donating to local causes since 1981 and received registered charity status in 2019 - a significant milestone in its history.
We help vulnerable children and adults in the UK and overseas, having donated over £20.5m since inception - the Openwork Foundation’s mission will always be to make a positive difference. From new-born babies to those in later life.
Fundraising
We raise funds in various ways, from staff and Adviser donations to fundraising challenges and social events. Through this generous support, we are able to provide grants to UK registered charities so those in need can get the help they deserve.
Advisers and staff are encouraged to complete challenges or projects for local charities where they live or work.
Previous challenges have included:
- painting and decorating charity premises
- sprucing up a sensory playground
- providing young carers and their families with a day of fun and respite
- providing a day out for people with special needs
- providing afternoon tea and entertainment for older people experiencing isolation
Together we are proud to make a difference.
The Openwork Foundation provides grants to UK registered charities operating here and overseas. Colleagues and advisers across the UK are also supported to volunteer to help vulnerable people in our local communities. We have provided this support for over forty years; raising over £20m for the people who need it most.
Giving Back
We believe everyone can make a difference
During 2023, our colleagues and advisers raised over £500,000. We awarded £880,000 in grants to over 100 UK registered charities operating here and overseas.
Our Impact
The Openwork Foundation provides grants to UK registered charities and volunteer to help those in our communities, where and when they need us most.
Nominating a charity
The advisers and colleagues throughout Owl Financial / Openwork have the opportunity to nominate an eligible UK registered charity, supporting vulnerable children or adults in the UK or overseas, for a grant.
Charities that wish to apply for funding though any of our grant programmes must be nominated by a member of The Openwork Partnership. We do not accept unsolicited applications for any of our grants.
In addition to raising funds and awarding grants, our colleagues and advisers are actively encouraged to volunteer in the community, with colleagues receiving one paid business day each year to volunteer.
Our Funding
Advisers and colleagues throughout Owl Financial / Openwork come together to raise money for the Openwork Foundation grant programme, supporting worthy causes in their communities. The funding we receive is from regular monthly donations, Foundation led and local fundraising events.
All funds raised for the Foundation are uplifted by 50% from the Openwork business and all Foundation’s administration expenses, overheads and staff costs are also covered, so everything raised goes straight to the charities we support
Over 30% of the Openwork partners and colleagues make regular monthly donation to The Openwork Foundation which generates more than 40% of our annual income and allows us to plan for the future and deliver a quarterly grant programme each year, as we have since 1981.
Our fundraising events are open to partners, advisers, colleagues, friends and clients and for many, taking part in one of the events has been a life-changing experience. There is a wide variety including treks, cycle challenges, running and charity auctions. Many Advisers and colleagues create their own fundraising events, including race days and quiz nights.