The Wimbledon Foundation, the official charity of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, has released its Annual Review for 2025, marking another year of widespread positive impact, achieved in partnership with local partners and organisations.
It was announced that £4.21 million has been awarded in grants and donations to 138 organisations between 2024-25, reaching more than 226,000 people. The local community continues to be a focus for All England Lawn Tennis Club with £1.8 million in grants and donations going to charities across Merton and Wandsworth, tackling issues such as food poverty, mental health and homelessness.
The Report showed how opportunities linked to The Championships are creating new pathways into employment for local residents facing barriers to employment. The Foundation’s Work at Wimbledon scheme saw 143 people employed during The Championships 2025, a 138% increase on the previous year, with 43% securing their first paid job.
Beyond activity in the local area, the Foundation’s national initiative was highlighted. The Set for Success programme, delivered partnership with Barclays and the Youth Sport Trust, continued its expansion in 2025. Now operating in 81 secondary schools across the UK, up from 51 the previous year, the programme is helping young people develop vital skills and confidence. An independent evaluation by Sheffield Hallam University over the 23/24 delivery year, found that for every £1 invested, the programme generates £5.63 in social value through improving young people’s wellbeing and life chances.
The findings of the Review were central to the Foundation’s annual reception which took place last week at the All England Club. 275 guests including representatives from 100 charity partners and community organisations were honoured and enjoyed a night of celebration.
Guests enjoyed live jazz from young musicians from Merton Music Foundation, alongside a twilight tour of Centre Court and the opportunity to take pictures with The Championships trophies.
There were inspiring speeches from Darren Stanford and Joel Eboweme who were invited to join the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI) as children and are now qualified tennis coaches with Darren delivering free sessions in Merton and Wandsworth primary schools as part of the WJTI.
They were followed by Rachel Johnson, mother of Temi Johnson who has been supported by Disability Sports Coach and performed the coin toss at the Wheelchair Men’s Singles Final in 2025. Temi said: ‘I found it hard to do sport when I was younger – some people assume that because you are disabled, you can’t do sport. It made me feel frustrated being pushed to the sidelines. Joining DSC was a great breakthrough – and I still want to do more. I want to be part of giving every disabled person the chance to get into sport, and I want to be part of changing attitudes’.
Bruce Weatherill, Chairman of the Wimbledon Foundation, said:
“This year’s Annual Review demonstrates not only the scale of our efforts, but the depth of change being delivered in Merton, Wandsworth and beyond. We are continually inspired by the dedication of our charity partners and the positive difference that we make together every day, so it is fantastic to get everyone together to take stock of all our work and achievements.”
Paige Murphy, Head of the Wimbledon Foundation, added:
“Behind every figure in this year’s Annual Review are real stories of people whose lives that have been positively changed, whether it is a young person gaining confidence through tennis, someone accessing vital support in the local area, or an individual taking their first step into employment at The Championships. The reception is an opportunity to celebrate those achievements and to thank everyone who makes them possible.”
