After nearly 400 years, the Henry Smith Charity has rebranded as the Henry Smith Foundation, launching a bold new five-year strategy aimed at tackling rising inequality and economic pressures

Focus on three critical life transitions:

• ‘Getting started’ (early childhood),
• ‘Building independence’ (young people), and
• ‘Safer futures’ (survivors of abuse, displacement, or prison)

Stronger long-term support with more flexible, core funding alongside simpler, more accessible application processes

A new Opportunity Fund to back early-stage, bold, and untested ideas n

Emphasis on DEI, listening to lived experience, and building partnerships—not just funding

This marks a key shift from funding grants to building lasting partnerships, supporting innovators, and influencing systemic change. With £61.9 m awarded in 2024 and support for nearly 1,000 organisations, the Foundation doubles down on impact, flexibility, inclusivity, and learning

https://henrysmith.foundation/strategy/