Most Generous Football Clubs In the UK

By: Eniko

Posted: December 7, 2021

Updated: December 7, 2021

One of the richest English clubs, Chelsea has spent the most on charity
League 1 side Charlton follows the Blues with spending more than £6 million
Sunderland almost doubled its charity spending in the last year

As Christmas is less than three weeks away, donating is getting more and more in the spotlight. The biggest stars and companies offer huge amounts for different charities and good clauses. English football clubs also try to give back through their foundations and support various causes besides offering soccer school sessions. These are the most generous football clubs in the UK this year. We already mentioned some of the most generous athletes earlier like Serena Williams, LeBron James, or Cristiano Ronaldo. They support different causes and charities from their personal wealth and often establish their own foundations. Football clubs do the same and spend huge amounts through their foundations. Some might say that they have more than enough money to do that. Still, it is nice to read about their offerings even if they come from Chelsea or Manchester United. Premier League is the richest football league in the world so we can find most clubs from the top tier in the latest list. But some smaller clubs, like Charlton and Sunderland, have also done a lot to support the local communities.

1. Chelsea - £8,567 Million

The 2020/21 Champions League winner London club, Chelsea leads the list of the most generous football clubs. The Chelsea FC Foundation spent more than £8,5 million last year to support different organizations. Like the children’s charity Plan International which works for children’s rights and girls’ equality across the world. But Chelsea also supports other educational programs and established soccer schools in several different countries.

The club advertises social inclusion, antisemitism, and equality. And they always come up with some special events, eg. the meeting of players for severely ill children. A very nice example from one of the richest clubs in Europe that try to give back to the community.

2. Charlton - £6,021 Million

Smaller clubs can also raise lots of money as we can see from the second-place club, Charlton Athletic’s result. The club’s Community Trust donated more than £6 million to charity last year, which is quite remarkable from such a small club. They also sponsor youth programs and support equality and diversity through educational initiatives. While the foundation’s special Health Improvement team helps people in the South East to quit smoking, offer mental health aid, and even Escape Pain sessions for the older generation. The Trust support various areas through special ambassadors as well. Like Radio presenter Dave Berry or former Charlton player Keith Peacock. The club almost won the first division a long time ago, in 1937 but currently, it plays at League 1. They still do an amazing job though regarding donations and supporting charities.

3. Everton - £4,632 Million

The first club outside London to feature in the list is Everton. The Everton In the Community charity spent £4,6 million last year which moved it to third place. The Toffees support the local community in several different ways. From tackling issues like homelessness, crime, and poverty to creating life-changing opportunities for young people.

And of course, they also run soccer schools for children, walking football sessions for the older generation, and programs for disabled people. Sadly the club’s first team is not doing so well in the Premier League this season. With online sportsbooks in the UK offering the odds of 13.00 for their relegation. But what they do for the local community is still very admirable.

4. Manchester United - £4,302 Million

Staying in North England, we can find another huge Premier League club, Manchester United. The Red Devils also spent a big amount, £4,3 million on good causes. The club does a lot to promote its foundation through social media. The dedicated Instagram page has more than 1 million followers. The club delivers educational and wellbeing programs with the players also taking part in them. They also operate girls’ football development programs and offer free football and other activity sessions for children through the Street Reds program. Manchester United player Marcus Rashford has also campaigned against racism, homelessness, and children’s hunger. His efforts were recognized by the Queen as well who appointed him as an MBE at the age of only 23.

5. Sunderland - £4,239 Million

Last but not least we can find another northern club, Sunderland as one of the most generous football clubs. The Foundation of Light almost doubled its spending last year and raised the amount to £4,2 million. Their latest project called the Beacon of Light has offered job and learning opportunities for young people so successfully that it won the Best Football Community Scheme award in the Non-Premier League category. The foundation also has lots of different soccer programs for all ages, including disabled children. And offer scholarships, apprenticeships, and jobs at the foundation. The first team currently plays in League 1 and will meet Arsenal in the EFL Cup quarter-final. With online gambling sites in the UK highly favoring the Gunners to win the game. But even if the team loses the match, fans will love the club and support its foundation.