Portfolio / Foundation
The Ridge Foundation
Helping young people from challenging backgrounds reach their potential.
The Ridge Foundation was inspired by Darren's own upbringing on a council estate in Leigh Park. Registered as a charity in 2022 (no. 1201065), it helps children and young people from challenging backgrounds reach their potential.
Its first home is Havant Academy, formerly Wakeford School, which Darren attended. Contributions there passed £500,000 by 2025, including a minibus, The Ridge Centre, a sensory unit, laptops and donated connectivity, with a focus on STEM learning.
In 2025 the Foundation opened its first international project, a technology hub at a school of around 2,000 pupils in Delhi.
Darren and Maria Ridge back Caudwell Children at Monaco Butterfly Ball
Darren Ridge and his wife Maria attended the 10th Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball in Monaco and won several auction lots, including a €30,000 Independence Pledge to fund specialist support for a young person. The event raised more than €1m overall.
The Ridge FoundationRidge Foundation donates 20 laptops to Havant Academy art students
The Ridge Foundation gave 20 laptops loaded with photo-editing software to GCSE art students at Havant Academy, replacing outdated Chromebooks. It adds to more than £500,000 of earlier support for the school.
The Ridge FoundationRidge Foundation opens its first international project in Delhi
The Ridge Foundation and Ridown Technology Group jointly funded the Ridown Technology Hub at Mira Model School in Delhi, a 30-desk computer suite with fibre connectivity. The school serves around 2,000 pupils, and Ridown Technology employs 200+ people in India.
The Ridge Foundation