The Venture Partnership Foundation

UK-based charities with international operations in Africa, Asia and Latin America (Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, Lao PDR, Colombia) helping rehabilitate those facing mental health challenges in developing countries through a community-based Model for Mental Health and Development. Basic Needs is the only organization attempting to address this problem and its model has recently been adopted by the WHO. It helps over 41,000 mentally ill people in 8 countries. Founded in 1999, it is led by Chris Underhill, who has built one of the fastest growing charities. VPF has provided advice on franchising its operations as well as a sounding board re strategic planning. To find out more about the value added by VPF, please click here.

UK charity that runs successful programs for bringing the long term unemployed back to work through entrepreneurial initiatives (e.g. Hoxton Apprentice restaurant). It has helped 8,500 long term unemployed back into full time education or employment. Started in 1996, TfL’s income has grown 20% year on year. Gordon d’Silva has been twice nominated as E&Y Social Entrepreneur of the year. VPF has provided a strategic sounding board and is about to embark on an exciting mentorship programme. To find out more about the value added by VPF, please click here.

Based in South London, this is a charity dedicated to the care of lone children in need of counselling and support by reason of their desperate social or family situations. Kids Company currently delivers services to 11,925 clients through three key channels: a drop-in centre at street-level in Lambeth; 33 inner-city schools in London ; and a post-fourteen educational institute, the Urban Academy. Founded in 1998, it has grown rapidly and was recently awarded £12m by government over three years for its work. It is led by Camila Batmangheldijh, 2005 E&Y Social Entrepreneur of the Year. VPF has provided introductions to those with political lobbying expertise as well as other donors/supporters. To find out more about the value added by VPF, please click here.

UK-based charity with international operations dedicated to saving lives through mobilizing health workers in Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Lesotho, South Africa, Nigeria, The Gambia, Ghana, Uganda). A health worker on a motorcycle makes 12-15 times the number of visits as one on foot. It helps millions of people across Africa to have access to basic healthcare. Started 15 years ago, founders Andrea and Barry Coleman were named E&Y Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2007. VPF has provided significant help with senior management team mentoring as well as strategic planning support. To find out more about the value added by VPF, please click here.