Brighter futures, in the making. In 2026, the Costa Foundation is also funding projects to support children and young people here in the UK.
Brighter futures, in the making
The Costa Foundation is Costa Coffee’s global charity partner and was created to support education – because we share the belief that learning has the power to unlock potential, wherever a child grows up.
Since 2007, the charity has helped children and young people access a safe, quality education in coffee-growing communities. Now, we’re proud that the Costa Foundation is extending its work to the UK for the first time.
Every contribution to the Costa Foundation continues to support our shared commitment to changing children’s life stories in nine coffee-growing countries – and now helps create positive change closer to home too.
Funding futures
In England, only 5.1% of adults with a learning disability known to their local authority are in paid employment (NHS Digital) and 13.3% of 16 to 24-year-olds - over 1 in 8 young people - are not in education, employment or training (NEET) (Department for Education).
The first two UK projects funded by the Costa Foundation are supporting children and young people who may face barriers to opportunities, including those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Each project creates real, practical opportunities for learners to build brighter futures – helping to overcome challenges they may face when it comes to accessing traditional routes into work or independence.
Treloar’s School & College, Hampshire
Helping children and young people grow skills – and confidence
At Treloar’s School & College in Hampshire, the Costa Foundation is supporting ‘Planting Possibilities’, a horticulture-based project for disabled children and young people aged 4-25.
Through hands-on work growing and caring for plants, students develop practical enterprise skills, confidence and independence. The project creates opportunities for learning outside of the classroom, helping young people prepare for life beyond education.
Five Acre Wood School, Kent
From classroom to commercial kitchen
At Five Acre Wood School, the Costa Foundation is funding ‘FAWcused Flavours’ – a project transforming an existing teaching kitchen into a commercial-standard training space.
This refurbishment allows pupils aged 11-19 to gain real-world experience cooking, producing and selling food in a supported environment. The project helps children and young people build practical skills, teamwork and confidence, while experiencing what a career in food and hospitality could look like.
What your support makes possible
Every time our customers support the Costa Foundation, you help fund projects that can help change the life stories of children and young people – giving them the chance to learn, grow and thrive.
Whether it’s in a classroom, a garden or a kitchen, education takes many forms – but its power is universal.
