The Koolesh Shah Family Foundation is proud to support The King’s Trust, supporting their life-changing Development Awards programme to break down financial barriers for young people across the UK.
Founded on the principle that talent is evenly distributed but opportunity is not, the Koolesh Shah Family Foundation focuses on advancing education, encouraging social mobility, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Aligning with these core values, The King’s Trusthas spent half a century transforming young lives. Since it was founded by HM The King in 1976, when he was HRH The Prince of Wales, the charity has helped nearly 1.3 million young people build confidence, gain essential skills, and secure sustainable employment.
Through the Development Awards, The King’s Trust provides targeted micro-grants to cover essential costs that stand between a young person and a brighter future. Whether funding course fees, specialist tools, work uniforms, travel, or vocational accreditations, these grants remove the practical obstacles that often turn opportunities into dead ends. Over the past year alone, the initiative has supported more than 3,300 young adults aged 16 to 30, with roughly 65% of grants reaching individuals in the UK who face the most economical barriers.
“We are deeply honoured to support The King’s Trust and the vital work they do to unlock potential in young people who face the steepest financial hurdles,” said Dr Koolesh Shah. “No individual’s ambition should be limited by an inability to afford a uniform, course fee, or travel ticket. By removing these practical barriers, the Development Awards offer a vital springboard toward independence, confidence, and fulfilling careers.”
By relieving immediate financial pressure for those facing unemployment or low incomes, this funding creates clear pathways into education, training, and meaningful work. This initial £5,000 contribution marks the start of an inspiring relationship, and the Foundation looks forward to expanding its support for The King’s Trust in the years ahead to help ensure every young person has the chance to thrive.
To learn more about the initiative, visit: https://www.kingstrust.org.uk