THE SOCIAL HUB ESTABLISHES THE “TSH TALENT FOUNDATION”

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (May 23, 2024) – The Social Hub today proudly announces the creation of the TSH Talent Foundation, a standalone nonprofit registered in The Netherlands dedicated to empowering changemakers. It will be funded via a pledge by the hybrid hospitality pioneer to distribute 1% of its annual turnover to the organisation, a first for the industry. The Foundation will begin activities in September 2024 with a pan-European scholarship programme.

Charlie MacGregor, Founder & CEO of The Social Hub remarks, "I am incredibly proud to announce the TSH Talent Foundation, designed around two themes very close to our hearts: education and inclusivity.” He added, “At The Social Hub, each year we welcome people from over 100 nationalities including professionals, students, hotel guests and locals. With our first scholarship programme, to this community we will add underrepresented students who traditionally wouldn’t be able to gain access to higher education and accommodation in major European cities. With the TSH Talent Foundation we are honoured to be leading our industry in putting our money where our beliefs are and we hope to inspire more of our peers to put purpose into action.”

In an era marked by unparalleled connectivity yet persistent inequality, the TSH Talent Foundation has been created on the belief that opportunity should be a right for all, not a privilege. It aims to help talent overcome barriers to opportunity, specifically changemakers who have faced great challenges and transformed their experience into an unstoppable motivation.

Expected to be fully operational by late 2024, starting in September the Foundation will begin activities with the “Changemaker Scholarship Programme” which will support 75 individuals via three key areas: spaces & development such as all-inclusive accommodation at one of The Social Hub locations, and participation in professional development and upskilling programmes; personal growth moments through mentoring and volunteering opportunities, mental and physical support services, plus social and cultural experiences; and paths to connections & collaborations via community-building activities and joining an active alumni network. The programme is based on a successful pilot rolled out in 2023-2024 by The Social Hub in which 14 individuals hailing from nations like India, Lebanon, & Ukraine lived, studied and connected in hubs around Europe (link).

In the future, the Foundation will also seek to create programmes in collaboration with value-sharing partners including institutions, companies, individuals, and other nonprofits.

Frank Uffen, The Social Hub’s Managing Director of Community & Partnerships will take on the role of Chairman, TSH Talent Foundation. He remarks, "Through the TSH Talent Foundation we will offer a unique, transformative experience to talented and motivated individuals. We aim to fulfil this promise through programmes that hope to foster their empathy and unlock their full potential to contribute to a more equitable, inclusive and peaceful world. I look forward to setting up the organisation over the coming months and connect with like-minded foundations, institutions, companies and individuals interested in collaborating to build our initiatives.” 

In addition to the creation of the TSH Talent Foundation, The Social Hub is continuing to rollout two key signature programmes previously announced as part of its social impact strategy…

The first is the Better Society Academy, a series of masterclasses seeking to empower the next generation of social changemakers. The three multi-day in-person sessions aim to unpack some of world’s most pressing issues and offer attendees the opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking programme supported by inspiring subject matter experts. Co-designed by learning experience partner Hyper Island, each Masterclass will bring together a dynamic group of individuals from The Social Hub community and beyond to acquire new and practical skills, network with extraordinary peers and ultimately be inspired from immersive learning. The first, taking place at The Social Hub Vienna on 28-31 May, has a remarkable line up of speakers including artist and voice for change Conchita Wurst, poet & comedian Alok, the Minister of Justice of Austria Alma Zadić, and more. 30 grants are offered by The Social Hub for participants with financial need.

The second is a strategic collaboration with Talent Garden, which The Social Hub began to roll out earlier this year as a pilot project at the Amsterdam, Florence and Vienna hubs. Born out of a need identified within the co-working and student community, it offers “skill sprints” created specifically for this initiative. These give participants access to a bespoke immersive learning programme aimed at developing competences and improving employability. Course titles include the likes of Authentic Leadership, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship Boost, Financial Fitness, Practical AI, Productivity Master, and more. As of today, 155 participants have taken part in the programme, with almost 90% expressing positive impact on their skills after participation. A full implementation of the project is currently being planned and is expected to be implemented at all The Social Hub locations in 2026.

For more information about The Social Hub’s Social Impact initiatives, please visit: www.thesocialhub.co/impact.