The Innovation and Practice team at The Young Foundation believes that a fairer and sustainable future is only possible through deeper participation between communities, public services, private and charitable institutions.

This is a time of great transition of our social, economic, and environmental systems, which demands creative ideas, new ways of working, and a focus on impact.

To navigate this environment, we believe innovation must be a social and collaborative process. One that unlocks the power of diversity and difference.

At The Young Foundation, we work in partnership with communities, public systems, and enterprise. We create space for learning and experimentation to bring about big ideas and new ways of working, shaping a fairer future together.

Leadership

Growing the power and potential of communities to participate in social change, supporting those closest to issues to take action.

Collaboration

Creating the conditions for people and institutions to collaborate and design, test and grow new ideas and new ways of working to achieve a fairer and sustainable future.

Impact

Helping UK businesses and enterprise achieve greater social impact.

How we work and what we do

Our Innovation and Practice Team supports organisations and individuals to work reflectively, inclusively and collaboratively. Spotlighting often overlooked and implicit parts of a system, we work in partnership to curate visions and strategies tailored to our partners and clients, creating the unique conditions to nurture innovation, action and learning.

Get in touch

Projects and programmes

The Young Academy

The Young Academy Investment Fund launched in 2014 as a pilot social impact fund

Community Knowledge Fund

The Community Knowledge Fund supports communities to play a stronger role in research and innovation.

Funding programme supports ‘fresh thinking’ in the heritage sector

As the National Lottery Heritage Fund awards 35 grants to drive innovation in the heritage sector, we’re supporting grantees to develop their ideas and skills.

Time to invest in community leadership

A report by The Young Foundation’s Chief Executive, Helen Goulden, explores the role and value of community leadership – and suggests what’s needed to support it.

Publications

The Open Book of Social Innovation

Social innovation Systems change YF Heritage Collection

1 March 2010

With input from hundreds of organisations, this publication explores the methods and tools for innovation being used across the world and across the different sectors.

Quest for the ‘S’ in ESG

Environment Innovation and Investment Social action Social innovation

9 February 2023

How can businesses act in both environmentally and socially responsible ways? What are the trade-offs between sustainability and social outcomes? This report examines how FTSE 100 companies approach ESG.

Communities Driving Change: our journey to systemic change

Social action Systems change

24 December 2020

In a borough where health inequalities are rife, this project imagined a new type of relationship between institutions and residents, shifting control over local health and wellbeing priorities.

Communities Driving Change: shifting local systems

Social action Systems change

23 December 2020

This programme supported residents in Tower Hamlets to take action for improved health and wellbeing in their communities, co-designing and developing grassroots solutions to enable real change.

No Wrong Door: How an integrated employment and skills system can support Londoners

Education & Employment Local government & public services

5 July 2023

Commissioned by the Mayor of London, this report explores the needs of people accessing skills and employment services.

Our legacy of social innovation

The Young Foundation has a long and a proud history of community-led innovation, incubating more than 80 new organisations – including The Open University, The School for Social Entrepreneurs, Year Here, Social Innovation Exchange, and many others. We collaborate to understand, involve and innovate, and today, our Innovation and Practice Team works with people and organisations, linking research and innovation as connected processes.

Find out more

Social innovation