How the BGF Foundation is supporting LTSB

Throughout 2023, the BGF Foundation has been developing its strategy with key stakeholders, directing its efforts towards impactful philanthropy. Following extensive discussions with BGF shareholders, portfolio entities and teams, the BGF Foundation is proud to announce a commitment of £670,000 in grants, with a newfound emphasis on empowering young people.

Leadership Through Sport & Business (LTSB) is one of the many charities that the BGF Foundation is proud to be supporting. LTSB helps bright young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to secure meaningful job roles within major firms.

Through a substantial £300,000 grant, complemented by pro bono assistance from BGF and its wider networks, the BGF Foundation is actively contributing to LTSB’s social mobility mission. Read on to learn more about these collaborative initiatives, and how the BGF Foundation is continuing to drive positive change and champion a more inclusive future.

Providing training facilities for young people

Earlier in the year, BGF was delighted to share its office space in Birmingham with LTSB. The LTSB team used the space to deliver two workshop sessions for a group of young people, as part of its Business and Finance programme.

Danya, LTSB Project Manager, Birmingham said: “The young people were amazed by BGF’s office. Many commented that they “never imagined they’d be in a space like this.” It has helped raise their aspirations about what they can achieve in their career. There was a feeling of “well, what else can I do that I didn’t think was possible?”

Making use of social impact days

BGF offers its employees two additional days each year for activities that have a positive social impact. This year, many used their social impact days to support LTSB, through running mock job interviews for young people.

LTSB’s Belfast-based Career Development Manager, Lyndsay, fed back on the support she received from a recent BGF volunteer, Andy Watts:

“Andy has been such an incredible volunteer. He was kind enough to support two young people, Sophie and Jared, spending around 40-60 minutes with each of them and providing written feedback. He also offered to help Jared refine his interview skills if he’s unsuccessful next week.”

Connecting volunteers with relevant expertise

The BGF Foundation has also supported LTSB by connecting the charity to pro bono support, via BGF’s Value Creation network. With access to in-house digital and ESG experts at BGF, as well as external consultants across a range of business functions, the BGF Foundation was able to find volunteers that match LTSB’s specific requirements.

Cat, LTSB Communications Manager, commented: “The BGF Foundation was really quick to respond to our request for pro bono support to manage our Google Ads Grant account, which had lain dormant for too long. It immediately put us in touch with volunteers that had the exact expertise we were looking for.”

“These volunteers have already made some big improvements to the performance of our ads, which will help more young people find out about us. For a small charity with limited capacity, it would be otherwise impossible for us to manage this, so we are immensely grateful.”