Investing in Our Local Community: Why We Support the Young Westminster Foundation’s Brighter Futures Fund
At the Koolesh Shah Family Foundation, our mission is rooted in a simple belief: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Every young person deserves the chance to thrive, build confidence, and realize their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
With our headquarters located in the heart of Paddington, we see firsthand both the incredible energy of our local youth and the real challenges they face—from cost-of-living pressures and mental health concerns to limited pathways to employment. Positive change begins right on our doorstep, which is why we are proud to continue our partnership with the Young Westminster Foundation (YWF) and support the Brighter Futures Fund.
Directing Funding Where It Matters Most
For 2026, the Brighter Futures Fund has awarded over £330,000 in grants to 32 grassroots organisations across Westminster. As a foundation committed to driving social mobility and community wellbeing, we align strongly with YWF’s four funding focus areas for this grant cycle:
- Delivering Engaging Activities: Creating dynamic, safe spaces across sports, the arts, and digital skills where children and young adults can stay active, build resilience, and forge positive relationships.
- Responding directly to Local Need: Ensuring grant funding addresses documented community challenges—driven by insights from youth-led research like Our City Our Future.
- Unlocking Access to Opportunities: Providing life skills, mentoring, career pathways, and practical support to bridge inequality gaps and broaden horizons.
- Backing Community-Embedded Organisations: Supporting grassroots providers and youth hubs that are deeply rooted in our Westminster neighborhoods, where trusted local relationships are already built.
Stronger Together
Real, lasting social change happens when local businesses, funding partners, local authorities, and grassroots charities pull together. By pooling resources through the Young Westminster Foundation, we can ensure that grassroots providers have the long-term support they need to empower the next generation.
We look forward to seeing the incredible impact of the 32 funded projects throughout 2026 and continuing our work to help make Westminster a borough where every young person feels valued, supported, and inspired.