National Saturday Club is delighted to announce a significant new funding partnership with The Mohn Westlake Foundation, whose three-year grant will support the charity’s mission to help more young people across the UK access high-quality, free creative education outside school. 

The Mohn Westlake Foundation is a family foundation founded by Marit Mohn and Stian Westlake. Through long-term, flexible funding, it supports charities carrying out vital work at both local and national levels, with a particular focus on improving the lives of children and young people. 

The partnership will support the National Saturday Club’s UK-wide programme, enabling the charity to continue delivering free Saturday Clubs for 13–16-year-olds at universities, colleges and cultural organisations across the UK. It will also help the charity strengthen and grow its network, reach more young people from varied backgrounds, and continue investing in the quality and long-term impact of its work. 

Alongside supporting the delivery of Saturday Clubs, the funding will enable continued investment in programme evaluation, helping the charity better understand and demonstrate its impact, while strengthening the Tutor programme. 

Club Tutors play a vital role in creating inspiring, inclusive learning spaces for young people. The Tutor programme brings educators together from across the UK to share best practice, nurture a supportive community of practice and develop their skills through professional development opportunities and workshops. Investing in tutors helps ensure every Saturday Club member benefits from an exceptional learning experience. 

Each year, thousands of 13–16-year-olds take part in the National Saturday Club, attending free weekly sessions led by expert tutors and participating in a national programme of Masterclasses, cultural visits and a Summer Show & Graduation Ceremony. By removing financial barriers to participation, the charity helps young people build confidence, develop creative and transferable skills, and explore future pathways into further education, training and employment. 

Lucy Kennedy, Chief Executive of the National Saturday Club, said: 

“We are deeply grateful to The Mohn Westlake Foundation for this generous support. It will significantly support the National Saturday Club in continuing its vital work to open doors for young people across the UK, giving them the chance to explore their creativity, grow in confidence and see new possibilities for their future. Support like this makes it possible for more young people, especially those who lack access to opportunity, to engage in inspiring creative learning and discover where their talents could take them.” 

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