The Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland AFC, has released its 2024/25 yearbook detailing how its work is supporting thousands of people across Sunderland, South Tyneside, and County Durham. The report, titled More Than Football, highlights the charity’s ongoing efforts to provide education, health, and employment support to the local community.
During the 2024/25 period, the charity helped 500 people move into new employment or training opportunities. Furthermore, feedback from those taking part in its programmes indicates a significant boost to community wellbeing, with 83% of participants reporting that they felt less isolated after engaging with the charity’s services.
As the largest football charity in the United Kingdom, the organisation engages with more than 23,000 people each year through over 40 different programmes. While it works closely with the club, the charity operates independently from Sunderland AFC and requires approximately £4 million annually through grants, donations, and trading activities to deliver its services. Over its 25-year history, the foundation has supported more than 500,000 people and currently employs over 140 staff members.
The charity is based at the Beacon of Light, a £20 million five-storey facility that opened in September 2018 alongside the Stadium of Light. Following its founding in September 2001 by former Sunderland AFC chairman Sir Bob Murray CBE, the organisation recently launched its new Brighter Tomorrow five-year strategy in January 2026. This plan focuses on three key priorities: Being Skilled, Being Connected, and Being Well.
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