The small charities in our portfolio
Small, agile and specialist, children’s charities are fundamental in helping children and young people thrive in the UK today. Together, we support vital projects led by these charities, helping children facing challenges such as poverty, health issues, barriers to education and more.
All our children's charities
We believe every child and young person deserves the chance to lead a happy, fulfilling life. That’s why we work with small charity partners—carefully vetted and rigorously assessed—who focus on improving mental wellbeing and future prospects through:
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Literacy Pirates
Boosting literacy, confidence and future prospects
This small charity supports 9–13-year-olds falling behind at school. On their “Ships” and online, volunteers help young people accelerate reading and writing progress—building confidence, creativity and belief in what they can achieve. Read more
Go Live Theatre Projects
Opening up theatre for disadvantaged children
A creative children’s charity using theatre to spark imagination and confidence. Workshops and theatre trips help disadvantaged children build communication skills, expand horizons and feel a sense of belonging and possibility. Read more
StreetDoctors
Youth-led first aid to tackle violence and save lives
This youth charity trains young people in high-risk areas to deliver lifesaving first aid and understand the realities of violence. Peer-led sessions build confidence, change mindsets and empower young people to protect one another. Read more
Action for Conservation
Backing young environmental leaders today
This youth charity empowers young people to take real climate action. Through workshops, camps and leadership training, they turn eco-concern into confidence, helping future conservationists gain the skills and voice to protect our planet. Read more
Empire Fighting Chance
Boxing-based mentoring that changes life chances
This youth charity uses non-contact boxing and intensive mentoring to support young people facing violence, exclusion and poor mental health. Their long-term approach boosts confidence, resilience and pathways into work or education. Read more
Chiva
Championing children and young people with HIV
This small children’s charity supports young people growing up with HIV. Chiva reduces stigma, boosts wellbeing and creates safe spaces—through camps, peer groups and advocacy—so no young person faces their diagnosis alone. Read more
Happy Baby Community
Safe community for mums and babies seeking safety
This small charity supports women and small children who have fled trafficking or violence. With food, expert care and community groups, they reduce isolation and help babies grow up safe, nurtured and supported from the very start. Read more
MYTIME Young Carers
Creating space for young carers to be children
A small children’s charity giving young carers the support, skills and breaks they often miss. School programmes, life-skills sessions and respite time reduce isolation and give young people the confidence to pursue their goals. Read more
BelEve
Powering the next generation of female leaders
BelEve is a dynamic youth charity helping girls and young women build leadership skills, networks and ambition. Through mentoring and real-world opportunities, they support young people to thrive in education, work and life. Read more
Become
Standing beside children in care, for good
A specialist children’s charity supporting young people in care and care leavers. With coaching, advice and community groups, Become helps them build stability, confidence and opportunity after some of the most difficult starts in life. Read more
Switchback
Intensive support for young men leaving prison
A small charity helping 18–30-year-old men leaving prison build stable, independent lives. One-to-one support and work training boost confidence, structure and employability—breaking cycles of reoffending for good. Read more
The Wave Project
Surf therapy that rebuilds confidence and calm
A small children’s charity delivering surf therapy for young people facing anxiety, trauma or isolation. Supported sessions in the sea build confidence, emotional resilience and friendships that last beyond the water. Read more
Our Time
Supporting children with parental mental illness
This children’s charity helps young people whose parents have a mental illness. School and community groups build understanding, resilience and connection so children feel less alone and more secure about their future. Read more
Basecamp Adventure Trust
Helping young people discover what they're made of
Basecamp takes young people facing significant challenges on a year-long journey of outdoor adventure and personal development — building the self-belief they need to face whatever life throws at them. Read more
Dandelion Time
Nature-based therapy for children facing trauma
A specialist small children’s charity using nature and therapeutic family work to help children recover from trauma. Farm sessions rebuild trust, improve wellbeing and strengthen relationships, giving families a fresh start. Read more
Storybook Dads
Keeping children connected to imprisoned parents
A small children’s charity helping imprisoned parents record bedtime stories. Hearing a parent’s voice strengthens bonds, reduces anxiety and supports literacy—softening the emotional impact of imprisonment on children. Read more
What Our Charities say about us
Raise Your Hands has been more than a funder – they’ve been a sounding board, an advocate, and a real force for connection. Their belief in our work has helped us reach new audiences and feel part of a wider movement of change. It’s rare to find a partner who is this committed to championing small, specialist charities – thank you.
Our Time
Since the beginning of our partnership, Raise Your Hands has provided us with consistent and invaluable support, totalling over £200,000. Without support like this we would not have been able to sustain as many projects and help over 18,500 children over the past ten years.
The Wave Project
We’ve developed a truly meaningful relationship with Raise Your Hands, they are so much more than just a funder. They feel like a trusted partner who genuinely cares about our cause and our beneficiaries. Their commitment to Jessie May is unwavering, and their generosity and genuine support are evidenced in everything they do, and every interaction we have with the team. We’re incredibly grateful for their ongoing support.
Jessie May
Working with Raise Your Hands has been more than just funding; it’s felt like a genuine partnership. They take the time to understand what we do, amplify our voice, and check in like we’re people, not just projects. That kind of support matters more than most people realise. It’s helped us feel seen and valued, which makes a real difference when you’re doing this work day in, day out.
BelEve
Raise Your Hands are a champion. Their reliable, unrestricted funding has been massive for us. They’ve enabled us to invest in the future and helped us successfully grow from a small to a medium sized charity.
Become