Charities working with young people in Leeds, Newcastle, and Norfolk and Suffolk have been awarded £50,000 each by the Persimmon Charitable Foundation.

Hamara Healthy Living Centre in Leeds, Newcastle United Foundation and The Benjamin Foundation in Norfolk were chosen from 388 charities after applying to the Foundation’s open application programme in March.

The Benjamin Foundation will use the donation to help young people at risk of homelessness prepare for employment and set up a home of their own. At least 55 young people will be supported into education, employment or training. They will also receive housing support, such as financial help with rent deposits or rent in advance payments.

The donation to Newcastle United Foundation will help fund its Open Doors: Beyond Barriers employability project, providing intensive wraparound support for 50 young people facing multiple and complex barriers to education, training and employment.

Hamara will put the donation towards its Youth Employability & Skills Programme, reaching at least 120 young people over 12 months with targeted support, including employability workshops, accredited training, work experience opportunities, and fast-track recruitment pathways.

Anthony Vigor, Chair of the Foundation, said: “This is our third round of funding and we continue to be impressed by the quality of applications. We’re delighted to be able to support the fantastic work that these three charities are doing to remove barriers to work and improve outcomes for young people.”

Matt Garrod, Director for Housing and Homelessness at The Benjamin Foundation, said: “Employment and a home are the very foundations young people need to break the cycle of homelessness. We’re excited about the significant positive impact this generous donation will have for so many young people, enabling them to thrive.”

Arnie Sajad, Development Director of Hamara, said: “This support enhances our capacity to deliver skills-focused programmes that lead to clear employment outcomes.”

Lee Smith, Senior Community Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Too many young people face barriers to opportunity, including limited access to the right support. Funding from the Persimmon Charitable Foundation will allow us to engage and inspire young people to bring them closer to the jobs market.”

The open application programme launched in 2025 to give more charities the opportunity to access Foundation funding. The next funding round will open in June.