OVO Foundation's Community Impact: Empowering Young Eco-Activists for a Greener Future

In an era of increasing concern about climate change and environmental degradation, it is more important than ever to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to protect the planet they love. OVO Foundation, OVO's charity arm, is leading the way in creating a greener, brighter future for every child. Through their Community Impact grant program, OVO Foundation is partnering with twelve exceptional charities across Bristol, London, and Glasgow to support projects that bring children and young people closer to nature and equip them to address the climate crisis. With a commitment of £300,000 in one-year, £25,000 grants, OVO Foundation is taking action to make a real difference in the communities where OVO people live and work.

Creating Green Spaces for Children

OVO Foundation's vision is founded on two key goals: to create more green spaces for children and young people and to help them gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to protect the planet they love. By supporting brilliant charities that focus on nature conservation, food-growing programs, seasonal gardening sessions, and farming experiences, OVO Foundation is increasing access to green spaces and encouraging a deeper connection with the natural world. These initiatives not only benefit less advantaged children and their communities but also improve local habitats and foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Fostering a Connection to Nature

The young generation is passionate about looking after the planet, and OVO Foundation aims to nurture their enthusiasm and transform them into the green guardians of tomorrow. Through partnerships with organisations such as Cultivate London, Hammersmith Community Gardens, Spitalfields City Farm, and ecoACTIVE, OVO Foundation is delivering experiential learning programs and environment-focused workshops that inspire young people to engage with nature actively. These initiatives go beyond theoretical knowledge and provide opportunities for adventurous activities, such as exploring the River Lea and Walthamstow Marshes, enabling young individuals to develop a personal connection to the environment through hands-on experiences.

ecoACTIVE’s Environmental Educations sessions at The Leaside Trust

The OVO Foundation funding is helping ecoACTIVE's develop and deliver a experiential learning program where young participants are immersed in a world of environmental awareness. The carefully designed environment-focused workshops provide a platform for interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and practical demonstrations, enabling young people to explore topics such as sustainability, conservation, and biodiversity. By connecting with experts and engaging with real-world examples, participants gain a deeper understanding of the importance of environmental stewardship and the role they can play in creating a more sustainable future. The program's emphasis on experiential learning ensures that knowledge is not just acquired, but also applied in real-life contexts, fostering a sense of responsibility and inspiring a lifelong commitment to protecting our natural world.

Community Impact and Local Engagement

OVO Foundation's Community Impact grant program marks a significant expansion of their efforts to support climate action and education projects. By directly funding twelve charities in Bristol, London, and Glasgow with £25,000 grants, totaling £300,000, OVO Foundation is making a tangible difference in the lives of young people from some of the most deprived areas. The supported projects aim to increase access to climate and nature education, enhance skills and self-esteem, promote engagement with climate issues, and improve health and well-being. Through these partnerships, OVO Foundation hopes to reach nearly 8,000 young people, teachers, and volunteers, amplifying the impact and spreading the message of environmental stewardship throughout local communities.

Testimonials and Impact

The collaborations between OVO Foundation and its partner charities have already yielded inspiring results. For instance, Philip Nichols, Chief Executive at Spitalfields City Farm, expressed excitement about the new partnership, emphasizing the opportunities it provides for young people to experience a way of life that may be less accessible to them in urban environments. These initiatives broaden perspectives, fuel aspirations, and pave the way for future careers centered around sustainability and environmental conservation.

The Power of Collective Action

OVO Foundation's impactful work is made possible by generous donations from OVO customers, with 100% of the funds going directly to projects. OVO's commitment to doubling the impact by matching every penny donated demonstrates their dedication to creating a greener, brighter future for the next generation. By planting tiny forests, making schools energy-efficient, supporting nature projects, providing platforms for young climate activists, and teaching thousands of young people about the positive role of technology in environmental protection, OVO Foundation showcases the breadth and depth of their commitment to positive change.

Leading the way in empowering children

OVO Foundation, as OVO's charity, is leading the way in empowering children and young people to become active eco-activists. Through their Community Impact grant program, they are partnering with exceptional charities to create greener, brighter futures for the next generation. By increasing access to green spaces, delivering experiential learning programs, and fostering a connection to nature, OVO Foundation is equipping young individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to protect the planet they love. Together, with the support of OVO's customers, OVO Foundation is amplifying the impact and creating a sustainable legacy for generations to come.