International property and construction consultancy Gleeds has announced the first two organisations to benefit from the support of its charitable Foundation.

After a rigorous selection process, Gleeds has named the Resurgo Trust and Wilderness Foundation UK as its inaugural partners, with both charities receiving grant funding to support critical programmes of work.

Established earlier this year by the owners of the business and managed by a steering group made up of Gleeds employees from across the UK, the Gleeds Foundation will donate a total of £125,000 during its first 12 months.

The fund’s primary focus will be to award grants to UK charities who have a demonstrable track record in creating opportunities for young people aged 12 to 25 years old, as well as supporting International Disaster Relief programmes and offering match funding for employees.

In line with this purpose, the Resurgo Trust will be using its funding to support its Spear programme – a yearlong initiative which equips 16- to 24-year-olds facing barriers to employment with the skills and education they need to thrive. 

Meanwhile, the Wilderness Foundation will be using the grant to fund its TurnAround programme, a service which uses wilderness therapy and mentoring to enable vulnerable young people to overcome challenges and take control of their lives. 

Graham Harle, CEO of Gleeds said: “Launching the Gleeds Foundation was a landmark moment for our business, and I’m thrilled that we’re now in a position to name its first two beneficiaries. We believe that every young person deserves to have access to the tools they need to succeed, and both the Resurgo Trust and Wilderness Foundation UK share that same belief, so I look forward to supporting them as they deliver life changing initiatives over the next 12 months.”

Jo Rice, Resurgo CEO, added: “We are so grateful to Gleeds for partnering with us this year. The Foundation’s commitment to supporting young people to make positive changes in their lives is one that we share, and its backing will enable us to continue to transform the lives of many more. We couldn’t be more excited to start working together.”

Talking about being selected as partner, Wilderness Foundation UK’s CEO Jo Roberts said: “This is absolutely fantastic news and we’re very grateful to Gleeds.

"The TurnAround programme makes an incredible difference to the lives of challenged young people, and this funding will ensure that this vital work continues.”

Beyond awarding finance to the successful charities, the Foundation will also be exploring fundraising, volunteering, and pro-bono support opportunities which will allow Gleeds employees to rally behind these worthy causes.

These include taking part in mock interview sessions, tackling sponsored walks and marathons, and delivering engaging presentations on sustainability or employment.