Nationwide Foundation is an independent charitable foundation linked to Nationwide Building Society that focuses on housing system change in the UK.2 Its stated vision is for everyone in the UK to have access to a decent and affordable home, and it says it works through projects, partnerships, research, and influence rather than direct housing delivery.2
The foundation’s approach is explicitly systemic: it aims to test and scale ideas, build evidence for decision-makers, and help shift policy and practice around housing.236 Its current work is organised around three programmes: Nurturing Ideas to Change the Housing System, Backing Community-Led Housing, and Transforming the Private Rented Sector.2 These programmes reflect a broad agenda that includes piloting solutions, supporting community-led housing schemes, and improving renting so that homes are more affordable, secure, accessible, and of better quality.346
The organisation’s connection to affordable and sustainable housing is direct and central. It funds and convenes work intended to increase the supply of decent, affordable homes, strengthen community-led housing infrastructure, and generate evidence for long-term reform of the private rented sector.246 The foundation also presents its work as contributing to wider social outcomes, arguing that housing quality affects health, wellbeing, communities, and the economy.2
Founded in 1997 by Nationwide Building Society, the foundation says it is independent and governed through its own board of trustees.1 It has awarded more than £40 million to charitable causes and reports a long-term strategy that began in 2013 and entered its third phase in 2021.12 Based on the information available, its geographic scope is national, with activity focused on the UK.2346