Founder
Promise
A simple, meaningful way for business owners to support local people when they sell or exit their business.
Founder Promise
The Founder Promise with Point North lets business owners commit a small percentage of a future business sale or exit to support communities across County Durham, Tees Valley and the wider North East.
It’s a personal commitment to strengthen the place that supported your business journey, activated only when the time is right for you.
Why it matters
Successful businesses don’t stand alone.
They grow because of their people, their customers and the strength of their local communities. For many founders, the chance to help create future opportunities in the region feels like a natural part of their business journey.
A Founder Promise helps strengthen the local groups who support people every day, from youth projects and wellbeing programmes to warm spaces, food provision, skills support and community-led initiatives.
Local families facing hardship.
Youth opportunities and skills development.
Community centres, welcome spaces and wellbeing. programmes.
Arts, culture, sport and activities that bring communities together.
Mental and emotional health support.
Community-led climate and sustainability projects.
Place-based change in towns or neighbourhoods you care about.
Your business journey can help create a brighter future for people in County Durham and Tees Valley.
How it works
Making a Founder Promise is straightforward:
You choose the percentage or amount you wish to give in the future
There is no immediate cost and no binding contract
The promise activates only when you sell, retire from or exit your business
We work with you to understand what you want your future gift to support
When the time comes, we handle the governance, grantmaking and reporting
Everything is confidential, flexible and built to fit your circumstances.
What to do next
If you’re interested in making a Founder Promise to Point North talk Michelle Cooper, our Chief Executive.
She can talk you through how it works and the difference you could make to local communities.
Email michelle@pointnorth.org.uk or call us on 0191 378 6340.
If you’re already considering an exit
If you’re planning to sell or retire in the next few years, the Founder Promise can help you shape your future gift now, in a way that reflects your values and ambitions for your community.
Our Donor Promise
Our Donor Promise sets out the principles that guide how we work with every donor, built on trust, respect and shared purpose.