Big Change
Big Change is a UK charity founded in 2012 by Holly BransonHolly BransonHolly Branson is a Virgin Group leader and philanthropic co-founder. Trained in medicine and physiology, she worked as a doctor before joining Virgin in 2008. She leads work on the group’s vision and culture, chairs Virgin Unite and co-founded Big Change.Open the full entry, Sam BransonSam BransonSam Branson is a British filmmaker, musician and philanthropic co-founder, and the son of Richard and Joan Branson. He founded Sundog Pictures, co-founded HiddenLight Productions and Big Change, and releases music as Waves Rush In.Open the full entry, Princess Beatrice and friends. It supports changes in education and related systems affecting young people and is distinct from similarly named commercial software companies.
Contents6 sections
Key facts
2012Founding
Holly Branson, Sam Branson, Princess Beatrice and friends established Big Change in 2012, initially raising £250,000 to support projects improving young people’s opportunities.[1]
2013–2014Frontline and Strive
In 2013 the charity supported a three-year Frontline pilot in children’s social care. Its 2014 Strive challenge from London to the Matterhorn raised about £750,000, illustrating the role of fundraising events in its project support.[1]
2016–2023Youth participation and education challenge
Big Change introduced a youth advisory board in 2016. In 2023 its £1 million Big Education Challenge backed ideas for educational change and selected 15 finalists.[1]
Focus: Systems affecting young people
The charity addresses connected areas including education, mental health and social care through social innovation, partnerships and youth participation. Its charitable mission is separate from the founders’ family members’ commercial roles.[1]
Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts
Big Change: Official link: https://www.big-change.org/ (opens in a new window).[1]
Holly Branson: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/holly-branson (opens in a new window).[1][2]
Richard BransonRichard BransonRichard Branson is a British entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group. Beginning with a youth magazine and mail-order records, he expanded into aviation, leisure, telecommunications, finance and commercial spaceflight. He also founded Virgin Unite and is known for ballooning expeditions and his 2021 suborbital flight.Open the full entry: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/richard-branson (opens in a new window).[1][3]
Virgin GroupVirgin GroupVirgin Group is an investment and brand group originating in the record business established by Richard Branson and Nik Powell in 1970. Its network spans aviation, travel, hospitality, health, telecommunications, finance and spaceflight. Virgin-branded businesses have distinct ownership and operating arrangements.Open the full entry: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/ (opens in a new window).[1][4]
Sam Branson: Official link: https://www.virgin.com/branson-family/sam-branson (opens in a new window).[1][5]
LINKEDIN public account: https://www.linkedin.com/company/big-change-charitable-trust (opens in a new window).[1]
YOUTUBE public account: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcphpJoxCWBbMkzbTLSrGbQ (opens in a new window).[1]