Grant Thornton UK launches charity foundation

Grant Thornton UK has announced the first charity beneficiaries of its newly launched Grant Thornton Foundation.The not-for-profit organisation will aim to help young people from disadvantaged communities overcome social barriers and support them in advancing their education and entering employment. 
 
The first charity beneficiaries of the new foundation are Magic Breakfast, which aims to “ensure that no child or young person in the UK starts the day too hungry to learn”, and The Baytree Centre, an educational charity for vulnerable young women and girls, based in Brixton. 

Each charity received a £20,000 donation from the foundation.

Magic Breakfast was chosen by the foundation’s trustees because it “aligns with the collective objective of supporting young people in disadvantaged areas”.

It provides a daily school breakfast to ensure that “every child and young person feels included, equal and set up for success”. Magic Breakfast works to help end child morning hunger for good through campaigning, research and advocacy work with politicians and decision-makers.

Emily Wilkie, director of Fundraising and Development at Magic Breakfast, said: “Magic Breakfast is delighted to have received a £20,000 donation from the Grant Thornton Foundation. 

“This support will enable us to provide the equivalent of over 70,000 breakfasts for children and young people at risk of going hungry.  A nutritious breakfast helps ensure that no child is too hungry to learn, enabling children and young people to reach their potential. Thank you to Grant Thornton, your support is highly valued.”

Meanwhile, the Baytree Centre empowers women and girls through education, training and personal development. It supports their growth, integration and independence, helping them achieve their potential and thrive in their communities. 

This charity was selected because it is working to tackle social exclusion and poverty at grass roots levels.

Carmen González, development director of The Baytree Centre, said: “We believe in the potential of every girl and young woman, and we are excited because this generous donation from the Grant Thornton Foundation allows us to further our mission of providing the essential tools and support needed to help all young women thrive and build brighter futures. This donation enables us to support those who need it most.” 

The Grant Thornton Foundation is managed by eight volunteer trustees, appointed by a trustee advisory group. The trustees are responsible for selecting charities and ultimately making sure the foundation delivers on its objectives.  

The trustees are head of I&D and ESG Jenn Barnett; gender convenor and partner Fiona Beighton; head of digital partner Alan Dale; retired partner Karen Campbell-Williams; head of restructuring partner Kevin Coates; head of risk and resilience Lynne Drury; retired partner Nigel Morrison and head of not-for-profit Paul Rao. 
 
Jenn Barnett, head of Inclusion and Diversity and ESG at Grant Thornton UK, said: “At Grant Thornton, we believe that collective action, through the contribution of time, skills, and financial resources, holds the power to effect profound change. By uniting to volunteer, mentor, donate, and provide support, we can amplify our impact and make a real difference in the lives of those in need. The foundation is a tangible demonstration of our values, doing what’s right for society and our industry. 
 
“It’s well-known that individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds and disadvantaged areas find it more difficult to enter education and advance professional careers. By working together through the foundation, and enabling collective giving across Grant Thornton UK, we can achieve more than we ever could individually. Through our combined efforts, we aim to support charities that help young people from disadvantaged areas overcome social barriers and achieve their potential.”