Rethinking impact reporting At the Fortus Foundation, we have always believed that our role is...
Working together for bigger impact
We are really excited to share some big news. The Fortus Foundation have teamed up with First Bus in a brand-new partnership that will help us spread the word, reach more people, and give even greater support to communities across York and beyond.
With help from Global, the team that manages advertising on First Bus vehicles, our bold ‘Go Give One’ message is now hitting the streets. For the next year, buses across York will carry our call to action, reminding businesses that giving just 1% of profits can make a huge difference.
Opening doors to employment
This partnership is not just about raising awareness. Together with First Bus, we will be running visits to their James Street depot and offices where people supported by our partner charities can get hands-on experience. From employability workshops to confidence-building sessions, this is about giving people who have been out of work the skills and encouragement to take their next step.
Why this partnership matters
What makes this so special is the shared values behind it. As our Head of Foundation, Matty Lewis, put it:
“We are delighted to work alongside the First Bus team with a partnership that thinks outside the box to broaden our reach and maximise impact. To now be able to provide additional support through employability workshops means we can help in more ways. Like all the best partnerships, it is built on people and an alignment of values.”
Mubs Mahmed, Community and Social Value Partner for First Bus, feels the same:
“Our approach is similar to the ethos of Fortus Foundation in enabling small charities and community groups to focus their time and energy where it is needed most. We are providing an awareness campaign and expertise in developing employability skills so the Foundation can concentrate budgets where these have the most impact in communities.”
What comes next
Over the coming year, you will see more than just bus ads. Campaigns and projects we run will also feature on the First Bus fleet, backed up with social media promotion to keep the message alive.
This is about more than logos on buses - it is about opening doors, creating opportunities, and showing what happens when businesses come together to give one.
And if you run a business, now is the perfect time to join in. By giving just 1%, you can help us fund more projects, support more people, and strengthen communities across our region. Or if you have other ways you think you might be able to support our work, check out our Ways to give page or reach out for a chat to find out more!
