We believe in the power and potential of young people. As the challenges for young people grow ever more complex, the DofE is more important now than ever before. Why not be a catalyst for change and join our determined family of philanthropists, trusts, and foundations committed to supporting young people to fulfil their potential.
With your support, we can equip more young people with the life skills, confidence, and resilience they need to thrive in today’s world. Investing in the DofE is an investment in a future that benefits both individuals and communities.
DofE is an embodiment of everything Pears Foundation believes in. By empowering young people to drive their own success and offering a focus for their endeavours, DofE is investing in their lives for the long term. What they learn here stays with them as they find their path in life, whether that’s their education, their career, or the community they live in. This is an investment in the UK’s next generation, delivered at the right time and in the right way.
– Sir Trevor Pears CMG, Executive chair of the Pears Foundation
The Power of Partnering with the DofE
By joining us, you’ll become part of a network dedicated to creating lasting change for young people.
We’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure your interests are reflected through your support — whether that’s funding our core work, supporting strategic projects, or helping us to innovate and pilot new work. Together, we can turn your values into action, help you make a life-changing impact on the next generation and ensure your gift reaches those who need it most.
Transformational gifts have transformational impact. In 2020, during the midst of the covid pandemic, we launched our Resilience Fund thanks to a £1.5m gift from long-standing supporters, Gordon and Hilary Phillips.
The Resilience Fund removes financial barriers to participation and ensures young people from marginalised backgrounds can access the life-changing benefits of doing their DofE. Since 2020, we have distributed £2.8m in bursaries and funded DofE participation places and supported over 85,000 young people across the UK to start their DofE journey.
The fund continues to be a lifeline for marginalised young people who face barriers to starting their DofE.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, we were moved by the plight of young people stuck at home and offered to invest in a fund to support the most marginalised to achieve their DofE. We are so delighted to witness the progress young people make when they get the chance to do their DofE and feel really privileged to be able to make a difference to so many people.
– Gordon and Hilary Phillips
Our commitment to you as a supporter
We are fortunate to enjoy long-standing, meaningful relationships with supporters. Our team of knowledgeable and friendly Account Managers will ensure you receive a personalised experience, showing the impact of your giving in the way that you want, as often as you want. Support the DofE and:
- Meet young people and visit organisations impacted by your donation
- Receive tailored reports and updates on your gift’s impact
- Stay informed on our work, campaigns, and DofE activities
- Receive invitations to exclusive events
- Network with like-minded supporters
- Use your influence and expertise to advocate for greater support
Knowing the impact the Award has had on our own children; we’ve always been keen to ensure the DofE is accessible to all young people. Our committed, multi-year funding provides targeted packages of support to young people, schools, and centres, and we can clearly see the very deep impact it’s having. We are delighted to enjoy such a close relationship with the DofE.The team at The Julia Rausing Trust believe that participating in the DofE can enable young people to truly change their path in life. We are proud to be supporting the DofE to deliver a number of significant projects which make a tangible difference to young people, particularly from marginalised backgrounds.The Duke of Edinburgh’s Endowment Fund
The DofE was founded nearly 70 years ago by HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. We are determined to be here for the next 70 years, providing transformative experiences and helping young people build the skills they need for the future. Securing the DofE’s long-term sustainability is crucial.
“The DofE builds resilience in young people. You can build resilience in the DofE.”
– Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Chair of Trustees, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
A gift to the Endowment will help ensure that the DofE remains an unwavering force for good. It will allow us to weather economic uncertainties, adapt to evolving needs, and ensure the benefits of the programme can be enjoyed by all young people regardless of background or circumstances, year in, year out.
Together, we can continue to build on HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh’s legacy and inspire generations of young people to get the most out of life and make a difference to the world around them.
Interested in learning more? We’d love to hear from you to discuss how we can work together. Please contact Laura Puddefoot-Knaggs, our Head of Philanthropy or call 07870 662565.
