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Standard Chartered

SC Foundation

Tackling inequality and driving impact and prosperity for under-served young people across our markets.

56K+
Young People Reached in Kenya Since 2019
1,672
Young People Supported Last Year
519
Moved into Quality Employment Since 2019
1,583
Jobs Created via Supported Microbusinesses
About SC Foundation

Empowering the Next Generation

The Standard Chartered Foundation was created to tackle inequality and seeks to drive impact and prosperity for under-served young people.

We believe that bringing people together is the best way to find innovative, forward-thinking solutions that address systemic barriers to youth employability and entrepreneurship. Through the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, organised by Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, we raise funds for the Foundation to help create opportunities for young people.

Our programmes — including RISE, Women in Tech, Links to Work, and Access to Finance SOMO — are designed to equip young people with the skills, capital, and networks to learn, earn, and grow.

Read more about the Standard Chartered Foundation →

Donate Now Our Programmes →
SC Foundation community
2019
Foundation in Kenya
Kenya Results

The Impact

1,672
Young people took steps towards economic inclusion last year
188
Secured quality employment last year — 94% with disabilities
200+
Jobs created in local communities by supported microbusinesses
56K
Young people reached in Kenya since 2019
Since 2019, the Foundation has reached almost 56,000 young people in Kenya, resulting in 519 moving into quality employment and 1,583 jobs created through supported microbusinesses.
How We Make a Difference

Our Programmes

01
Employability · Since 2024

Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment (RISE)

A three-year employability programme with an investment of KES 133 million, targeting 2,000 young people with disabilities, with 605 expected to transition into quality employment.

Builds life skills, confidence, leadership, and job readiness — supporting pathways to employment or self-employment.

2,000
Young people with disabilities targeted
02
Technology · Since 2017

Women in Tech

Addresses gender gaps in technology by supporting women-led, tech-enabled businesses through training, mentorship, and seed funding. Over 2,500 applications received since launch.

By end of 2025, 92 businesses completed 12-week training; 46 received KES 1.3M each in seed funding. Collectively generating over KES 13 billion in revenue and raising KES 1.17B+ in additional capital.

KES 13B+
Revenue generated by supported businesses
03
Employability · Since 2025

Links to Work

A three-year employability programme with an investment of KES 97.5 million, targeting 1,500 young women aged 18–24 from under-served backgrounds, with 750 expected to enter quality employment.

Focuses on skills development, job matching, mentorship, and peer support.

1,500
Young women targeted (18–24 years)
04
Finance · Since 2022

Access to Finance — SOMO

Provides affordable loans of KES 250,000 to KES 2.5 million to women-led micro and small businesses, with additional coaching and mentorship to boost resilience and growth.

By end of 2025, 167 loans totalling KES 47.9 million were issued to 154 businesses.

KES 47.9M
Total loans issued to 154 businesses
Run With Purpose

Together We
Drive Change

Through the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, every participant helps raise funds for the Standard Chartered Foundation — creating real opportunities for under-served young people across Kenya.

By running, donating, or mobilising others to join, you are part of a movement that tackles inequality and empowers the next generation to learn, earn, and grow.

Learn more →
KES 133M
RISE Programme Investment
KES 97.5M
Links to Work Investment
KES 13B+
Revenue by Women in Tech Businesses
KES 1.17B+
Additional Capital Raised by Businesses