Giving back matters

Founded in 2008 by Sir Ben Elliot, Quintessentially Foundation addresses some of Britain’s most acute social problems – especially those right on our doorstep. Our latest initiative, The Firefly Project, tackles child poverty and the limitations it places on the futures of children and young people.

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Quintessentially Foundation Bikride 2024

Around 40% of London's children live in poverty – the highest child poverty rate in England. That’s why we find, fund, and support small frontline charities that are well-positioned to make a big difference.

A female child swinging on monkey pars at the park being held up by a lady in a red dress, smiling - by Quintessentially Foundation.

Unrestricted funding

To invest in expanding their internal capacity and operations, preparing them for long-term sustainable growth.

A diverse group of people pose for a photo in a large, well-lit room with a striking blue and white chandelier overhead. They are smiling, some holding drinks, while one person in the foreground takes a picture with a smartphone by Quintessentially Foundation.

Tailored support

To provide the infrastructure needed to increase the number of young people they support and enhance their impact.

A group of people seated at tables in a classroom setting, engaging in lively discussion. Some have laptops in front of them. A person in a light green shirt stands at the front, possibly leading the session. Everyone appears focused and engaged at a Quintessentially Foundation event.

Untapped connections

To build a broader base of supporters who will amplify their cause and sustain their growth beyond our funding.

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Our patrons programme

Our patrons are leaders committed to making social change and inspiring and influencing the next generation of philanthropists by using their skills, funds, and time to scale life-changing frontline charities. These remarkable individuals share our dedication to addressing the root causes of child poverty. And through volunteering and attending due diligence visits, meetings, and fundraisers, we ensure they see their impact firsthand.

Interested in becoming a patron?

Contact [email protected] for more information.

A staff member of Quintessentially Foundation with shoulder-length red hair writes on a large sheet of paper using a blue marker. Theyre wearing a dark denim shirt and focusing on their work. The background shows a brick wall and natural lighting.

A person is writing on a worksheet with several highlighted sections on a desk. A pen and notebook are visible in the background.

Three people in an office setting. A woman in the center shows a book to a man on the left and a woman on the right. The room has a brick wall, plants, and natural light.

A woman wearing a colorful face mask and glasses stands in a storage room. She is packing cardboard boxes. Shelves filled with boxes are seen in the background by Quintessentially Foundation.

A group of people are sitting and smiling in a well-lit room. One person is clapping, wearing an orange hat and black jacket. Others are wearing casual clothing and name tags. Water bottles are placed on the tables in front of them by Quintessentially Foundation.

A woman with glasses smiles while interacting with a baby, who is seated. The baby reaches for a colorful toy held by the woman. The background is blurred, suggesting an indoor setting with vibrant decor by Quintessentially Foundation.

Our fundraising approach

Everything we do is driven by our commitment to supporting our charity partners and enhancing young Londoners’ lives – particularly through our approach to income generation. Unlike traditional funders, we operate without an endowment, which allows us to proactively secure our financial resources. This innovative spirit empowers us to adopt a social entrepreneurial approach, ensuring we fulfill the promises of The Firefly Project.

A choir stands in a dimly lit hall with ornate stained glass windows in the background. Colored lights cast patterns on the walls and ceiling, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A row of microphones is set in front of the singers at The Fayre of St James concert by Quintessentially Foundation.

A black vehicle with festive golden lights displays the text The Fayre of St James on its side. The background shows a dimly lit street with decorated storefronts by Quintessentially Foundation.

Ellie Goulding, the famous singer, is singing into a microphone on stage, with three backup singers in the background. They are all dressed in black, and the stage lighting creates a warm, ambient atmosphere at Quintessentially Foundation's Fayre of St James annual concert.

Our annual Christmas concert

Named London’s charity Christmas event of the year, The Fayre of St. James’s is a magical, star-studded evening of performances, readings, carols, and Christmas cheer. Each year, we welcome 500 guests into St. James’s Church – a venue that has hosted performances by famous faces like Emeli Sandé, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Craig David, Ellie Goulding, and more.

Our annual cycling challenge

The Quintessentially Foundation Bike Ride is an annual cycling fundraising event that has raised over £4 million and covered more than 5,000km in its 15-year history. Each year, a group of inspiring individuals comes together to tackle some of Europe’s most challenging – and scenic – cycling routes, all while giving back to an incredible cause.

A cyclist in black gear stands with a road bike at the summit of Mont Ventoux. Behind them is a sign reading Sommet du Ventoux Alt. 1910 m, covered in stickers. The background shows a partly cloudy sky at Quintessentially Foundation's annual bike ride challenge.

Two cyclists in red jerseys with white crosses shake hands by a scenic lake with snow-capped mountains in the background. They appear cheerful and are part of a group. The jerseys have foundation logos on them at Quintessentially Foundation's annual bike ride challenge.

A cyclist in a red shirt and helmet rides a road bike on a sunlit, curved roadway bordered by a metal guardrail, surrounded by trees. The sun casts a clear shadow of the cyclist on the pavement at Quintessentially Foundation's annual bike ride challenge.

A person holding a pen writes on a clipboard with papers, positioned over a transparent storage container filled with folded clothes.

A person in a pink sweatshirt is sitting on the floor, using a black marker to write on a clipboard with papers. They are organizing clothes, including yellow, orange, and green items, into clear plastic bins.

Want to get involved?

We are 100% donor funded, so we rely on generous individuals and organisations who want to make a difference. No matter who you are or where you live, you have the power to help us transform charities making a difference on the frontline by becoming a patron, volunteering with our charity partners, or attending one of our fundraising events.

Get involved