The Rank Foundation

Who we are

The Rank Foundation is a U.K. based charitable foundation that operates a model of ‘engaged philanthropy’.  It works with charities and social enterprises and fosters a culture that promotes innovation and enterprise and encourages leadership in the social sector.  The Foundation takes a pro-active approach to identifying leaders and organisations through the work of a small, dedicated field executive team.  In addition to grant-making, the Rank Foundation is an operating foundation and creates and delivers its own flagship programmes including Valuing Place (in Hull, Dundee and Plymouth), the Time to Shine Leadership Programme, Leadership Award Holders and Education Programme, the Rank Fellowship, the Rank Aspire Programme and RankNet, the network for social sector leaders in the U.K.

Our culture and values

Our field team take time to understand the needs of each place, project or person that we invest in. They research, visit and build long-term relationships with organisations and individuals.

We do not accept unsolicited requests for funding and all our funding decisions are made by the grants committee.

We are proud to work with over 1,500 social sector leaders from organisations across the UK. The organisations and leaders we invite to join our Network benefit from support and opportunities, including funds, training, and powerful connections.

Members of our Network are either personally invited to apply for support or funding announcements are made to the whole Network via their private digital platform, RankNet.

We trust the leaders we support to lead positive change in the communities they cherish. We invest to nurture and build on the strengths of people and places.