This year at Glean we’re taking part in One For the City (OFTC), in partnership with Leeds Community Foundation (LCF), to support an initiative that empowers young people in Leeds.
“Next year marks 20 years since I first moved to Leeds and 15 years since I set up our first office here.” said Dave Tucker, co CEO of Glean. “Leeds is more than just our company headquarters – it's our home. We have seen the city and its tech scene grow and develop over this time and have had the pleasure of being a part of the communities that make this city special.
Not everyone in the city has the same opportunities that we did. At Glean, we firmly believe that supporting initiatives like this is not just good corporate citizenship; it's essential for the sustainable growth of our city. When we lift up those around us, we create a stronger, more vibrant Leeds for everyone.
That’s why we leapt at the opportunity to support the One For the City initiative, an organization that shares our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of people across Leeds.”
What we're supporting
Thanks to the financial contributions of One For the City members, seed funding will enable GIPSIL, a trusted and vital community anchor organization, to develop and run the Speak Up Voice and Influence Group.
This programme has been designed to build the confidence of young people and support their mental health. GIPSIL, which works with children, young people, and families in disadvantaged areas of Leeds, also supports smaller grassroots organisations and initiatives.
Building on its success, GIPSIL has worked closely with cross-sector partners to create the Speak Up Voice and Influence Group, which is driven by young people and designed to shape programme delivery for future cohorts.
“We are incredibly proud to support GIPSIL and this vital project,” said Mike Quate, one of the founders of One For the City. “It’s inspiring to see young people taking the lead in shaping their own futures. Speak Up embodies everything we believe in at One For the City: transformative impact, community engagement, and the power of collaboration”
A partnership to foster lasting impact
The grant, which will provide seed funding for the programme over two years, is a vital step in ensuring its long-term success and it’s hoped that over time the programme can reach even more young people across Leeds.
In the coming year, opportunities for volunteering and mentorship will be explored further. A GIPSIL representative will work with One For the City members to identify the most effective ways to involve local businesses as role models and mentors.
Their partnership with Leeds Community Foundation ensures that this initiative can flourish and have a lasting impact on the mental health and confidence of young people in Leeds.
About One For the City
Founded by Mike Quate and Sat Mann, One For the City was established to champion businesses as a force for good, creating a community of businesses committed to growing a more inclusive, regenerative economy that redistributes wealth and addresses socio-economic challenges.
Dave Tucker, Co CEO at Glean said “The focus of One For the City’s inaugural project aligns with our mission to help give all learners the confidence and ability to reach their potential. We believe in investing in the future of our community, and that starts with supporting the well-being of our young people.
We hope that this collaboration will not only provide valuable resources to those who are struggling but also inspire the next generation to become leaders and agents of positive change in our communities.”
In the short time since being established, OFTC has gained a significant following from the Leeds Business Community. Since starting in 2023, OFTC has steadily gained momentum and is now supported by over 16 Leeds based businesses and it’s expected that number will grow further in 2025.
The initiative empowers businesses to pledge 1% of their revenue or profit to local charitable and social causes through a central donation platform. By uniting businesses under the 1% model, OFTC bridges the gap between Leeds’ thriving business economy and communities experiencing hardship. This approach not only enhances Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) engagement but also highlights the tangible impact of collective giving.
The OFTC Manifesto emphasizes:
- Championing business as a force for good
- Creating a community of businesses committed to inclusivity
- Increasing collective giving to tackle critical social issues
- Providing a transparent platform for impactful contributions
- Illustrating the impact of businesses that support the 1% model
For more information about One For the City or to get involved, visit www.oneforthecity.org or contact hello@oneforthecity.org
To know more about GIPSIL visit - https://gipsil.org.uk/
To see the current list of supporting OFTC businesses see: https://oneforthecity.org/members
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