Our programmes
Each programme we support tells a story of innovation, resilience, and transformation. Explore how our funding is tackling challenges, amplifying youth voices, and building brighter futures through locally led solutions.
Our work is deeply collaborative. We listen, learn, and act alongside young leaders, local organisations, and global partners to break down barriers and create sustainable pathways for youth empowerment and economic opportunities.
We support bold ideas, challenge outdated models, address market failures that prevent young people from shaping their own futures.
Flexible and long-term funding
Systemic change takes time and the freedom to adapt. We provide flexible, long-term funding that gives partners the stability to plan for the future while remaining responsive to evolving challenges. By removing rigid restrictions and investing beyond short-term programme cycles, we enable organisations to strengthen their impact, scale solutions, and build resilience for the road ahead.
"Waves for Change began as a surfing programme aimed at supporting youth mental health in Cape Town. We've grown into a national and global organisation, leveraging sport to advance health outcomes for young people through context-based research and learning. The Anglo American Foundation’s investment in our core costs provided us with the freedom to innovate and experiment. The Foundation has supported us in a unique way, we don’t see many funders that grants organisations like us the licence to explore.”Tim Conibear, Founder & CEO, Waves for Change
Locally led
Communities know what works for them. We champion locally-led development by shifting power to those with lived experience and deep-rooted knowledge. Our funding and partnerships prioritise local leadership, ensuring solutions are driven by the people who understand their context best.
By empowering communities to design and implement their own strategies, we gain a deeper understanding of their unique challenges. This flexibility lets us take calculated risks, trusting the expertise of those directly impacted. Our role is not to dictate solutions but to support the ingenuity and resilience of those most affected.Michael Mapstone, CEO, Anglo American Foundation
Who we fund
We support organisations that bring deep local knowledge, innovative approaches, and a commitment to systemic change.
- We fund non-profits, NGOs and social enterprises, working to create economic opportunities for youth, strengthen their resilience and leaderships skills and foster their entrepreneurial spirit.
- We collaborate on initiatives that align with our priorities and bring together multiple stakeholders to amplify impact.
- We work with businesses, investors, and development partners to address market failures and drive impact through sustainable investment.
Rather than accepting unsolicited proposals, we proactively seek out and invite partnerships that align with our priorities.
How decisions are made
We work closely with partners to ensure that every funding decision contributes to long-term, systemic impact rather than short-term fixes.
Our funding decisions are guided by:
- Alignment with our priorities: Ensuring our resources are directed toward initiatives focus on youth empowerment and economic opportunities.
- Proven expertise and local presence: Supporting organisations with deep roots in the communities they serve and a track record of impact.
- Scalability and sustainability: Funding programmes that have the potential to grow, replicate, or create long-term change beyond the grant period.
- Collaborative potential: Fostering partnerships with stakeholders who are enthusiastic about working with a diverse set of players.
Our CEO and Board of Trustees play a crucial role in all funding decisions, working together to ensure responsible and impactful financial management.
How we work
How we drive change
We boldly support innovative ideas, trusting in the expertise of our partners as they push boundaries with their solutions.
Our regions
From bustling townships in South Africa to vibrant communities in Latin America, our work spans the globe. Learn more about the regions we serve and how we’re empowering youth to lead change in their communities.