JLGB will be investing more than £5 million into its educational work thanks to the addition of its latest major grant - £1.8 million from the Big Lottery Fund via the  #iwill Fund.

The money will enable the organisation to expand its evolve initiative, providing 15,000 disadvantaged youngsters with volunteering and skill development programmes. The Lottery money follows support from the Genesis Philanthropy Group and from the government through the Youth United Foundation.

Originally created for young Jews, the programmes are now open to all.

JLGB's efforts have been praised by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who said: “For almost 125 years, the JLGB has led the way in youth social action for the Jewish community. The expansion of evolve will enable the next generation to do the most important mitzvah of all - to help and give back to others in ways that also meet the modern and technological needs of today’s Jewish youth.”

Sarah Benioff, England director at the Big Lottery Fund, added that the new partnership "gives us a huge opportunity to support young people to develop their skills and confidence. We look forward to seeing the impact this project will have.”