Building a community of support
The Young Westminster Foundation Brighter Futures Fund is a borough-wide grant programme that invests directly in local children’s and youth services. The Fund pools contributions from Westminster City Council, local businesses and funders. It exists to ensure that every child and young person in Westminster has access to safe spaces, trusted adults and opportunities to learn, play, build confidence and thrive.
All proceeds from the Lord Mayor of Westminster’s Charity Cup will support the Brighter Futures Fund.
Why investment is needed
Westminster is a borough of contrasts, where significant wealth sits alongside deep and persistent disadvantage. Around 42% of residents live in poverty, significantly higher than the London average, while 36% of children are living in poverty after housing costs. These inequalities can limit access to opportunities and increase young people’s vulnerability to social isolation, exploitation and serious youth violence.
What the Brighter Futures Fund supports
Every year, the Fund brings together contributions from businesses, charitable partners and Westminster City Council to provide grants to organisations supporting children and young people across the borough. In 2026, the Fund awarded 32 grants supporting projects including youth clubs, sports programmes, mentoring, creative arts, music, SEND provision, wellbeing activities and family support services. Together, these initiatives reach more than 3,000 young people annually.
Demand continues to grow
The need for these services continues to outstrip available funding. In 2026, more than 70 organisations applied for over £1 million in funding, far exceeding the resources available through the Fund. Every pound raised through initiatives such as the Charity Cup helps increase investment in Westminster’s children and young people, enabling more local organisations to deliver life-changing support where it is needed most.
Together Westminster’s business community and local partners are coming together and helping create brighter futures for local children and young people. Join us!
Get in touch to explore ways to support the Brighter Futures Fund as a Growth Partner or through entering The Lord Mayor of Westminster’s Charity Cup.
Email our Business Development Lead, Zahid Nawaz: zahid@youngwestminster.com
