Name: Impetus
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Our research shows that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are twice as likely as their better-off peers to be out of education, employment or training (NEET). There is also clear data showing that young people from ethnic minority backgrounds are disproportionately impacted by unemployment.

Together with Bank of America, The Centerbridge Foundation, Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy, The Towerbrook Foundation, Sainsbury's, Bain & Company, The CD&R Foundation and KKR we’re working to close the employment gap faced by young people from ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly black, Bangladeshi and Pakistani young people, in the UK.

The Connect Fund sits within our broader work on race equity and diversity and aims to help decrease the employment gap faced by young people from ethnic minority, disadvantaged backgrounds and promote systemic change towards a more racially equitable society. We do this by:

1. Building and scaling effective, impact-led employment programmes

We're supporting young people from ethnic minority backgrounds to overcome disadvantage and discrimination. So far we have partnered with the following organisations:

Babbasa

Part of the Connect Fund. Babbasa is an award-winning organisation, based in a high need area, delivering an evidence-backed youth empowerment programme. They support young people to improve their confidence, pursue their professional ambitions and become economically active.

Generation UK

Part of the Connect Fund. Generation UK offers skills bootcamps in various professions. Their programme combines technical skills, support and strong employer connections to secure employment. Operating in cities across the UK, they help young people enter the workforce.

IMO Charity

Part of the Connect Fund. Founded by volunteers in 2006, IMO Charity has grown into the go-to provider of youth programmes for Blackburn's South Asian community. They offer diverse services in community development, health, well-being, education, and employability, providing effective support for local youth.

Sister System

Part of the Connect Fund. Sister System supports care-affected young women aged 13-24 in North London, primarily from Black and Ethnic Minority backgrounds. Sister System helps with sustaining positive relationships, mental wellbeing, and engagement in education, employment, or training.

Streets of Growth

Part of the Connect Fund. Streets of Growth helps young adults reduce harm and positively change their lives and neighbourhoods. They build long-term trust, safety, and a shared vision, supporting young people in progressing in education and work.

2. Delivering a Leadership Academy that helps develop future leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds working within youth organisations

The Impetus Leadership Academy (ILA), supported by Bank of America, is a leadership development programme to support talent from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK youth sector to progress into senior leadership roles and contribute to the national conversation on issues facing young people from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK.

In October 2021 we welcomed our first cohort of 12 participants and we've now worked with 36 leaders. Find out more about the ILA here.

3. Convening key stakeholders

We are also convening key stakeholders across Government, employers and donors and sharing new learnings on interventions that can make a big impact.

If you’d like to know more or partner with us on the Connect Fund please contact philanthropy@impetus.org.uk.

Connect Fund

1. Building and scaling effective, impact-led employment programmes

Babbasa

Generation UK

IMO Charity

Sister System

Streets of Growth

2. Delivering a Leadership Academy that helps develop future leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds working within youth organisations

3. Convening key stakeholders

Find out more

From non-racism to anti-racism: how leaders can embed anti-racism in their organisations

Announcing grants to four new charity partners supporting young people from ethnic minority backgrounds into employment

We have officially launched!

Donate to Impetus