About Us
The Jolly Foundation was born out of a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities where they are needed most. Founded in 2024 by John and Sally Roberts, the foundation is driven by a deep belief: while talent is evenly distributed, opportunity is not. It is our mission to level that playing field by investing in environments that empower young people to realise their full potential.
The Jolly Foundation’s roots go back to a fundraiser for Bolton Lads and Girls Club, a 100-year-old youth club that was facing closure. When John was just 18 years old, he helped to organise the event to keep the club’s doors open, which ignited a passion for youth services that has only grown over the decades. Today, that passion drives everything we do, from our local initiatives to our national partnerships with organisations like OnSide.
As a family foundation, we are focused on leaving a legacy of giving that we can be proud of. We believe that by leading by example, we can inspire future generations to continue this work, ensuring that our efforts today will have a lasting impact on the communities we serve.
The Need
Societally, £100bn is invested in schools. But young people spend 85% of their time outside of the school gates, where only £0.3bn is invested.
Over 750 youth clubs have closed in the past decade.
4,500 youth workers have been lost during that time, leaving many young people without crucial support.
Anti-social behavior drops by 50% within the first four weeks of youth centres being established
83% of young people in enterprise programs either secure jobs or pursue higher education, remaining engaged for at least six months.
89% of members on free school meals report feeling happier about their lives after engaging with youth programs.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every young person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. This vision is grounded in a simple truth – kids don’t vote, meaning that too often, they are overlooked by people in power. At The Jolly Foundation, we believe it’s the responsibility of those of us who have been fortunate, to step into the breach and create the opportunities that society fails to provide.
Our Approach
We take a hands-on, results-driven approach to philanthropy. Our work is not about charity for charity’s sake; it’s about making real, lasting change. From supporting the building of state-of-the-art youth centres, to funding programs that equip young people with the skills and confidence they need, we are committed to initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes. We believe that people can’t care deeply about things they don’t understand, so we strive to communicate clearly, to inspire action and understanding.
“Talent is evenly distributed but opportunity is not. We have a responsibility to level that playing field.”
John Roberts
Foundation Partners
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