Young Futures and Bukhman Philanthropies launch Groundwork UK amid rise and rise of AI tech
The initiative is backed by a £4 million commitment over several years to help young people thrive in a world shaped by AI
AI is changing young people’s experience of the world, and impacting on their mental health and wellbeing
Young Futures in collaboration with Bukhman Philanthropies has launched Groundwork UK, to support young people growing up in a world shaped by the use of technology and AI.
The initiative will build on Young Futures’ existing experience and expertise and will combine research and youth listening with grant-making, organisational support and field building.
It is part of a broader $15 million Groundwork initiative across the US and UK over three years.
Katya Hancock, CEO & co-founder at Young Futures, said: “So much about growing up is timeless. Young people want to belong, become more independent, discover who they are and imagine who they might become. But this generation is navigating something new: an adolescence increasingly shaped by AI.”
AI is changing how young people learn, create, build relationships, seek help and care for their mental health and well-being. Those fundamental needs cross borders, but how we support young people must be rooted in culture, community and place.”
The first funding will start in Spring 2027 but, in the meantime, the organisation will conduct a Youth Listening Tour and hold conversations with charities, educators, researchers and funders, to find out what young people in the UK are currently experiencing. The outcome will inform and shape how the initiative evolves.
Lived experience is expertise
Hancock added: “This isn’t about expecting young people to solve structural challenges on their own. It’s about treating their lived experience as a form of expertise and giving it real weight alongside research, professional practice and institutional knowledge.
“Our research and listening will lead to an open funding challenge and two-year grants for an inaugural cohort of UK charities.
“Their leaders will receive organisational support and join an international community of YF Innovators learning across cultures and contexts.
“We’ll create an ongoing feedback loop: young people’s experiences will shape the work charities do, and what those charities learn will become practical resources, stories and insights for families, educators, funders and the wider field.”
She added: “I’m deeply grateful to Daria Bukhman and Bukhman Philanthropies for the urgency, ambition and trust they are bringing to this work.
“Daria understands that young people are living through these changes now, and that we need to begin building the knowledge and support they need now, too.
“If you’re working in the UK and would like to partner with us, we'd love to hear from you.”
