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Philanthropy at Smart Works

Smart Works was launched in 2013 to help empower unemployed women with the clothes, coaching and confidence they need to succeed at their job interview and transform their lives.

We opened our first centre in Islington in 2013. Since then, we’ve grown to meet the need, opening 11 more centres across England and Scotland. Women are referred to us from job centres, refuges, the prison system, homeless shelters and mental health charities, among other organisations. We’re proud that we’ve supported more than 40,000 women to date, but we know there are thousands more that need our help.

In 2017, we were recognised as the Social Action Charity of the Year at the Charity Awards and in 2024 we became Google’s Charity of the Year.
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Be part of the Smart Works story

We’re building a community of transformative leaders – thoughtful, connected, and values-led.


Smart Works operates on a 'thirds' model of income – one thirds comes from Philanthropy. This includes both long-standing support from Trusts & Foundations and our new and growing community of Major Donors.

Philanthropy enables transformational change:
£1 invested = £7 return in social and economic value (can provide source) Helping more women unlock employment and economic independence Data-driven, future-facing, and personal every step of the way.

Major donor programme

Smart Works operates on a 'thirds' model of income – one thirds comes from Philanthropy. This includes both long-standing support from Trusts & Foundations and our new and growing community of Major Donors.
Philanthropy enables transformational change: £1 invested = £7 return in social and economic value (can provide source) Helping more women unlock employment and economic independence Data-driven, future-facing, and personal every step of the way
Contact Karishma
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Major donor tiers

A thoughtful and flexible model designed to meet you as donors where you are. Whether you support with £15k or £100k, we offer a meaningful journey, with clear updates, tailored recognition, and the chance to see your gift in action.
Champion
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Catalyst
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Luminary
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Trusts & foundations: partnering for scale

We work alongside charitable trusts and foundations to create lasting change for unemployed women across the UK. Whether you support a local community project, help us expand our national programme, or offer unrestricted funding, our partnerships are based on openness, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering sustainable, long-term impact for women in the areas of greatest need.

Our offer to funders

1. Bespoke proposals with strong evaluation frameworks
2. Clear reporting and impact stories
3. Strong alignment with national employment and gender equity priorities
4. A proven track record of delivering transformational partnerships with the UK’s leading philanthropic institutions, including Garfield Weston Foundation, the National Lottery Community Fund and the Julia Rausing Trust.
Contact Georgia

Meet our Philanthropy team

Karishma Navsaria, Philanthropy Manager, Major Donors
"Everyone can make a difference, from mentoring to opening doors. But it’s philanthropy that fuels our work and turns possibility into progress.”

karishma.navsaria@smartworks.org.uk

Georgia Wiltshire, Philanthropy Manager, Trusts & Foundations
"Through philanthropic partnerships, we’re building a future of lasting, positive change for women in the communities that need it most.”

georgia.wiltshire@smartworks.org.uk

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