Housebuilder Persimmon’s foundation has increased its funding for good causes this year to £300,000.

The first funding round for Persimmon Charitable Foundation’s open application programme opened earlier this month and closes on 15 March, with three £50,000 donations available for charities that support employability among young people.

A further £150,000 will be available this year.

Funding is available for those that support children and young people aged 14 to 25 and in areas of economic and social deprivation.

This marks an increase on the Foundation’s funding, after £200,000 was handed to good causes working with young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), or at risk of being NEET, last year.

“We were amazed by the response to our open application programme, with 1,210 applications for funding received last year,” sad Foundation char Anthony Vigor.

“We want to support more charities working to change outcomes for young people and support them in their education, or into training or work, which is why we’ve increased our funding pot to £300,000 this year.”

Among good causes to benefit last year is Bristol City Robins, with the football club’s foundation using its funding to provide tailored mentoring, life skills development and wellbeing support.

Another is the Stephen and George Charitable Trust, which is using its donation to extend its alternative education and youth development programme for young people attending Pupil Referral Units, and those at risk of exclusion, in Merthyr Tydfil.

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