# Unite Foundation to receive £8.5 million over five years

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2014/10/27/unite-foundation-receive-8-5m-five-years/
- Published: 2014-10-27T10:16:27+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The Unite Foundation, which provides free university accommodation to UK students
who face challenging personal circumstances, is to receive £8.5 million over five
years from Unite Students, the developer and manager of student accommodation. The
company is also the Unite Foundation’s principal sponsor.

The funding commitment will safeguard the future of the charity into 2021.

Just 6% of young people who have been through the care system get to Higher Education,
compared to 33% of those from the broader population.

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## New Chair appointed

The funding announcement was made as Jenny Shaw succeeded Paul Harris as Chair of
the Foundation. Harris founded the charity in 2012.

Shaw said:

> “The money we are so pleased to announce today will mean about 300 more students–
> who have faced the most challenging personal and financial circumstances – will
> be able to achieve a degree and all the benefits which go with it.
> “Over the coming years you will also see the Foundation becoming a clear voice
> in widening participation and social mobility”.

 

**About The Unite Foundation**

The Unite Foundation is a charitable trust which specialises in transforming the
lives of young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds by enabling access
to higher education and employment opportunities.

The Unite Foundation Scholarship Scheme provides free accommodation to undergraduate
students for the duration their studies, and an annual Cost of Living allowance 
of £3,000 (rising to £4,000 for students in London). Some 90 students are benefiting
from a Unite Foundation Scholarship in the 2014/15 academic year.

Particular emphasis is placed on supporting those who are estranged from their families,
have been through the care system, or are themselves carers.

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