About Us
A Foundation built on belief
The Mann Foundation was established by Jelena and Derek Mann with a single conviction: that where a young person comes from should never determine where they can go.
Our story
The Mann Foundation is a charitable foundation established by Jelena and Derek Mann to help children and young people who face social or economic disadvantage.
The Foundation was created in the belief that talent, character and potential are widely distributed, but access to opportunity is not. Many young people have the commitment and ability to succeed but are held back by circumstances outside their control — financial pressure, transport difficulties, family circumstances, limited access to equipment or a lack of suitable development opportunities.
The Foundation exists to help remove those barriers — not by doing things for young people, but by standing alongside them, believing in them and giving them access to the support, guidance and opportunities they deserve.
Our charitable purpose
The Foundation primarily supports young people across North East England, particularly in Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland. It may also support young people beyond these areas where the trustees believe that doing so would further the Foundation's charitable purpose.
Organised sport is our initial focus, but our charitable purpose is broader. We support young people who show drive, character and the willingness to grow — in whatever field that potential is found.
What we believe
Potential over privilege
We look for drive, character and the willingness to grow — not background, connections or the ability to pay.
Development over perfection
We support young people who are on a journey, not those who have already arrived. Progress matters more than polish.
Support matched by responsibility
The Foundation's support is a partnership. We ask Fellows to commit to their own development and to give something back to their community.
Long-term thinking
We are interested in who a young person is becoming, not just what they can achieve right now. Our support is designed to last.
Our long-term ambition
The Foundation aims to help young people become confident, resilient and responsible adults who are able to participate fully in society and create positive futures for themselves. Over time, we hope to develop:
- Sustainable mentoring pathways
- A supportive network of current and former Fellows
- Coaching and leadership opportunities
- Educational and career progression pathways
- Opportunities for older Fellows to support younger participants
- A lasting culture of aspiration, responsibility and community support
The long-term vision is that young people supported by the Foundation will not only overcome the barriers they currently face, but will eventually use their experience, confidence and skills to help others.
Rooted in the North East
The North East of England is home to some of the most talented, determined and community-minded young people in the country. The Mann Foundation is proud to be rooted here — and committed to making sure that geography is never a ceiling on ambition.