When Family Action helped me with an education grant it was amazing. I was able to afford things for my studies that I couldn't afford earlier on.
Ten years of partnership: how J.P. Morgan and Family Action support parents to shape their own futures
When Natalee was studying at college, she was trying to complete all her coursework on her phone. It was difficult and frustrating, but as a single parent, buying a computer felt out of reach – until she received support from our “Investing in Futures” programme.
“When Family Action helped me with an education grant it was amazing,” she says. “I was able to afford things for my studies that I couldn’t afford earlier on. I wanted a computer so bad as I’d done all the work on my phone and it was so difficult. I was also able to get the books and the resources for my studies. You just can’t understand the way I felt. I was so grateful.”
Natalee is one of hundreds of parents who have benefited from a decade-long partnership between Family Action and J.P. Morgan – a relationship that started small in 2015 and has grown steadily into something transformative.
How it started
J.P. Morgan first came on board by supporting Family Action’s Toy Appeal, joining companies across the country in helping families at Christmas. But the relationship soon deepened. Volunteers from J.P. Morgan recently started giving their time at Family Action’s London FOOD clubs, which provide healthy, affordable food for families while reducing food waste and taking pressure off household budgets.
Making education accessible
In 2023, the partnership reached a new level when J.P. Morgan funded the “Investing in Futures” programme, designed to support single parents pursuing education. More than £350,000 was distributed to 282 parents at colleges across London, covering essential costs like computer equipment, books and travel expenses – the practical things that can make or break someone’s ability to stay in education.
These grants remove barriers. They mean parents like Natalee can focus on their studies rather than worrying about how to afford the basics they need to succeed.
The partnership continues to grow. J.P. Morgan employees refurbished a baby room in Kent where families can spend time with their children in a comfortable, welcoming space. Some J.P. Morgan employees have begun making monthly contributions to Family Action through a U.K.-wide philanthropic initiative at the firm. Family Action was also the 2025 beneficiary of the annual J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge event in London.
A two-way relationship
The partnership works both ways. That’s why Family Action CEO, Sir David Holmes joined other Family Action staff at the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge—the world’s largest corporate running event—showing that both organisations are committed to supporting each other.
Sir David Holmes CBE, Chief Executive at Family Action said,
We are grateful for a decade of fantastic support and partnership with J.P. Morgan. This has made a huge difference to the families that we work with. I look forward to the Corporate Challenge event next year and together helping to support even more families.
What’s next
J.P. Morgan has shown genuine commitment to investing in parents and families over the past ten years. At Family Action, we’re looking forward to continuing this partnership and seeing more parents like Natalee get the support they need to build the lives they’re working toward.
