Meet The Soho House Foundation’s new charity partners
As part of our commitment to fund and empower diverse creative talent worldwide, four new charities will receive grants – here’s what you need to know
Monday 4 November 2024 By Chloe Lawrance Illustrations by Natalia Podpora, Soho Farmhouse mentee
As a global community for creatives, we see first-hand the benefits of providing opportunities for diverse talent to flourish. That’s why we founded The Soho House Foundation, an independent charitable entity set up to fund and empower creatives worldwide. Through an annual donation, we provide grants for organisations doing brilliant work to help young people in their local community through the arts.
This year, our trustees chose four new charities to receive grants. Read on to hear directly from the charities we selected to support in 2024. We also caught up with 2023’s grant award winners to discover how The Soho House Foundation impacted their cause.
The 2024 charity partners
Refugees and Asylum Seekers Assistance and Solidarity Association (RASAS), based in Istanbul
RASAS is dedicated to supporting and protecting refugees and host communities without discrimination based on language, religion, race, gender, age, disability, political views, or any other factors. Recognising the power of art and creativity as essential rights, RASAS hosts art workshops for vulnerable individuals and provides services across sectors including education, health, social cohesion, and livelihood.
‘Our partnership with The Soho House Foundation opens many doors that will make a difference in the lives of vulnerable women we serve. We are excited and delighted to work with a forward-thinking organisation that believes in equal opportunities and values the wellbeing of societies. Young women from various cultures had the opportunity to experience something different by participating in two art workshops held as part of the programme. Participants expressed that the workshops added a breath of fresh air and beauty to their lives.’
Halil İbrahim AKINCI, chair of the board
Prison Radio Association uses the power of radio and podcasts to support people with lived experience of prison. It runs National Prison Radio – the world’s first national radio station for people in prison, made by prisoners. Through its diverse programming schedule, it aims to promote a culture of positive change, while acknowledging and addressing the challenges of imprisonment. By supporting people through their sentences, Prison Radio Association aims to reduce reoffending and prepare individuals for life after release.
‘We are really excited to be working alongside The Soho House Foundation to offer continued professional development opportunities and pathways into paid employment for talented radio producers leaving prison. Through this partnership, we have the opportunity to supercharge our first ever post-release offer; increasing access to the arts and creative industries for people who had been part of the National Prison Radio programme at HMP Brixton in south London. It’s so great to be working with a foundation that clearly and loudly shares our commitment to providing opportunities to underrepresented groups in the creative industries.’
Evie Dickinson, head of fundraising and communications
p:ear, based in Portland, Oregon
p:ear has built a compassionate community dedicated to supporting Portland’s homeless and transitional youth aged 15 to 25. It provides critical services that go far beyond basic needs, empowering young people to foster self-confidence and gain new, practical skills across three core programmes: education, art and wilderness recreation.
‘We are incredibly grateful for The Soho House Foundation’s support, which brings strength and energy to our BIPOC Artist in Residence Program and youth-led art shows at p:ear. This grant allows us to provide young artists with the tools, space and encouragement they need to let their creativity shine. By directly investing in the growth and expression of these talented voices, Soho House is helping us build a future where every young artist can share their unique vision, connect with their community, and inspire others. Together, we’re amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, and celebrating the power of diversity and creativity in the arts.’
Beth Burns, executive director
Diverse City Studio, based in Hong Kong
Diverse City Studio is dedicated to supporting Thai immigrants in Kowloon City through the performing arts. In 2023, the charity established a partnership with Blessing Thai Service Centre, a crucial support system for Thai immigrants in the city, offering programmes that empower Thai children through devising community theatre.
‘The Soho House Foundation’s support is invaluable in helping us deliver this meaningful programme, which uses the power of expressive arts to address children’s mental health and family trauma. By fostering creativity and inclusion, this grant will empower young Thai and local students to find healing through theatre, while strengthening community ties and nurturing the next generation of socially conscious creatives. We are thrilled to partner with an organisation that shares our commitment to uplifting youth and promoting social inclusion through the arts.’
Gabriella So, founder
Our 2023 charity partners
The Dinner Table Doc, based in Brooklyn, New York
The Dinner Table Doc’s mission is to empower and uplift young women of colour by fostering their leadership skills, and nurturing health and wellness.
‘The grant enabled us to create an empowering conference where young women could ignite their creativity, build confidence, and connect with inspiring mentors. The weekend was filled with inspiring workshops, engaging panels, and unforgettable experiences. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.’
Asha Boston, executive director
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, based in New Orleans
LPO’s mission is to transform people and communities through music.
‘The donation from The Soho House Foundation has made a huge impact on our young people, giving them access to musical art at a very high level. For many students it was their first time visiting our concert hall and hearing a new genre of music. This funding also allowed our teachers to spend quality time at each of our partner schools on a weekly basis to truly build relationships with the students and become a positive mentor.’
Amanda Bohren, director of education and strategic initiatives
UD Music, based in Stratford, east London
UD educates, empowers and creates life opportunities for young people inspired by the sounds, words and rhythms of Black music culture.
‘We have successfully implemented the Record Label Projects in four schools across Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets, and broadened our programme at the Talent House to include new entry-level courses in Singing and Performance and Music Production. We have also seen significant growth in our choir, Flames Collective, with the addition of new members and increased performance opportunities. Notably, the Flames Collective has had the privilege of performing alongside acclaimed artists such as Kojey Radical and six-time BRIT Award winner RAYE, providing them with paid work experience opportunities. 96% of Flames participants come from Black or underrepresented ethnic backgrounds; the funding has allowed us to expand the opportunities available to talented young people.’
Pamela McCormick, CEO
Roots, based in Berlin
Roots brings together communities through creativity, wellbeing and knowledge sharing to celebrate diversity, encourage artistic potential and make a positive impact.
‘This grant has been transformative for our community, enabling us to offer creative workshops that empower BIPOC individuals in Berlin through artistic expression. The support from The Soho House Foundation has been instrumental in fostering inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and providing essential tools for our participants to thrive in the creative industry. We’ve seen a profound impact on participants’ confidence, mental wellbeing and sense of belonging, helping to build a stronger, more inclusive community.’
Naima Nazir, cofounder and head of compliance and operations
Discover more about The Soho House Foundation here