CHARITIES helping young people overcome barriers to employment are being invited to apply for a share of £150,000 as a major funding programme reopens this month.

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation has launched its second funding round of 2026 with grants aimed at projects supporting young people aged 14 to 25 into work, education and training.

Applications opened yesterday (June 1) with registered charities across the UK encouraged to apply for funding to tackle disadvantage, improve employability and boost opportunities in communities facing economic and social hardship.

The foundation, set up by housebuilder Persimmon Homes, supports projects focused on social mobility, youth development, learning and training.

Since 2021, it has donated more than £3 million to charities and community causes.

Three charities secured £50,000 grants in the foundation’s first funding round earlier this year, including Hamara Healthy Living Centre in Leeds, Newcastle United Foundation and The Benjamin Foundation in Norfolk.

Closer to home, Young Somerset has also previously benefited from foundation support, alongside organisations such as Bristol City FC Robins Foundation.

The foundation was established in 2015 to support communities where Persimmon Homes operates.

However, its open application programme only launched last year, widening access and giving more charities the chance to apply for funding.

There are two rounds of grants each year, with a total of £300,000 available in 2026 through six £50,000 awards.

Foundation chair Anthony Vigor said: “We want to improve outcomes for young people, and particularly those not in education, training or employment. If your charity is focused on supporting employability, we encourage you to apply.”

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, June 21 with successful organisations due to be announced in September.

For me information and application details, visit persimmonhomes.com/corporate/foundation/open-application-programme