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UK Acumen Academy

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Get in touch

Supported by

Our Partners make our work possible and share our dedication to tackle the toughest problems of poverty.

65 Fellows

have completed the UK Fellowship since 2020

2.3 million

lives impacted across the UK

98 percent

of Fellows feel better prepared to create impact, with a community to back them

82 percent

of UK Fellows have ‘lived experience’ of the issues they seek to solve

We equip extraordinary entrepreneurs and leaders to break down barriers and uplift communities across the United Kingdom.  

 

Across the United Kingdom, persistent poverty and widening inequality are holding back our communities. Too many children are denied a quality education. Too many individuals are locked out of dignified work. Vulnerable populations struggle for well-being, while minority communities face systemic barriers to opportunity.

We know the future can look different. That’s why we identify leaders and organizations committed to solving the problems of poverty and equip them with the skills, tools, and community to reimagine systems, create pathways that expand opportunity, and build dignity with communities across the UK.

Acumen Academy is the world’s school for social change. UK Acumen Academy is a registered UK charity and affiliate of the Acumen Academy. Our UK work combines proven leadership methodology with local insight to build leadership capacity, strengthen organizations, and deliver measurable impact where needed most.

“The Fellowship helped me address root causes, empower my team, and build adaptive strategies that amplify our mission to end youth violence.”

Shaninga Marasha
Founder and CEO of BIGKID Foundation

What we offer

 

The Fellowship

Our Fellowship identifies extraordinary social entrepreneurs and leaders and equips them with the transformative leadership practices, skills, and community needed to scale their impact.

Learn more

 

The Foundry

Upon completing the Fellowship, Fellows join the Foundry, our global alumni community of 2,000 social innovators. They gain lifelong access to resources, support, and opportunities designed to sustain and scale their work for years to come.

Meet the UK Foundry

 

Collaborative Programs

We partner with values-aligned foundations, corporations, and institutions to design and deliver tailored programs that strengthen leadership, deepen organizational capacity, and scale social impact.

Connect with us

Building solutions to complex problems of poverty

Education
Reimagining education to close the opportunity gap. We support leaders dismantling systemic barriers in education, ensuring every child and young person has access to the skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to shape their future.
Employment
Creating pathways to fair, secure, and dignified work. Our Fellows are building new models for employment that tackle job insecurity, unlock economic mobility, and ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can access meaningful work.
Health
Bridging health gaps so everyone can thrive. We back entrepreneurs and advocates reimagining how healthcare is delivered, especially for those living with disability, chronic illnesses, or limited access to care.
Inclusion
Building a society where everyone belongs. We support leaders working to remove systemic barriers that prevent people from fully participating in society, whether rooted in race, gender, migration status, or identity. Our Fellows are building more inclusive systems where everyone can belong and contribute.
Community
Powering local communities to lead change. We support leaders who are tackling regional inequality by equipping local communities with the tools, resources, and power to create fairer, greener, more inclusive futures.

More than two million lives impacted and counting

Since 2020, our UK Fellowship has provided catalytic support to 65 founders, CEOs, and senior leaders whose organizations have positively impacted over 2.3 million lives across the United Kingdom. Read more about our work and impact in our latest report.

Read the report

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How to Apply

 

This work is only possible through partnership

Funders, institutions, and supporters play a critical role in equipping the next generation of UK leaders. Together, we can accelerate solutions that address poverty at its roots and create a future grounded in dignity for all.

Partner with us in the United Kingdom

Family Foundations and Philanthropists

Support systemic change across the issues & places you care about in the United Kingdom by investing in leaders with character and competence.

  • Channel funding through our rigorous due diligence process and support organizations, leaders, and social enterprises who have proven impact and the character to lead
  • Share your knowledge as a mentor or evaluator during our Fellowship selection and/or funding rounds.
  • Co-design a program with us and equip your grantees with tailored leadership skills and training.
  • Gain access to our community of social innovators, their insights, and recommendations.
  • Connect with Fellows, thought leaders, and peers at Acumen events and in our Partner community.

Businesses

Align your values and strategy with high-impact leadership and social innovation across the United Kingdom.

  • Connect with and support bold entrepreneurs reshaping the future of business and society.
  • Engage employees through mentorship, board service, or skill-based volunteering.
  • Strengthen your brand through authentic and values-aligned partnerships
  • Connect with Fellows, thought leaders, and peers at Acumen events and in our Partner community

Trusts and Foundations

Scale your impact by backing the leaders & organisations powering social change in your strategic areas across the United Kingdom.

  • Fund innovative organizations and exceptional leaders who have proven impact and align with your funding priorities.
  • Co-design a program with us and invest in long-term resilience and leadership capacity across your portfolio of grantees.
  • Enable your grantees access to our offerings, including nominations for our Fellowship, participation at Acumen events, and more. 
  • Broaden your reach across sectors and communities, leading transformative work.

Wealth and Philanthropy Advisors

Offer clients more than giving — offer a measurable impact and meaningful connection across the United Kingdom.

  • Use our rigorous due diligence process to guide clients toward bold, vetted initiatives.
  • Introduce clients to exceptional leaders running innovative projects and organizations with proven impact.
  • Offer clients hands-on engagement through mentorship, a role in our Fellowship selection processes, and participation at events. 
  • Help clients connect with Fellows, thought leaders, and peers at Acumen events and in our Partner community.

Our team

 

Benjamin Lane | UK Director  LinkedIn, Email

Kate Allen | UK Community Manager   LinkedIn, Email

Our team

Our trustees

UK Acumen Academy, a UK registered charity (Charity Number: 1185457), is licensed to administer the Acumen Fellowship as an independent affiliate of Acumen Fund Inc. (Acumen)

UK Acumen Academy, a UK registered charity (Charity Number: 1185457), is licensed to administer the Acumen Fellowship as an independent affiliate of Acumen Fund Inc. (Acumen)