In 1988, Sunderland took part in the 'Community Programme in Professional Football’, a scheme aimed at encouraging links between football clubs and their local communities. This became the 'Football in the Community' initiative in the early 1990s, which Sunderland were involved in from the beginning. The foundation was initially supported with funding from Sunderland A.F.C.,
Northern Rock and the
Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Within a year, the Foundation had a staff of 70 who engaged with school children in 280 schools, predominantly in
Sunderland and
County Durham. The centre included five learning areas supporting up to 120 visiting children per day. The Foundation regularly undertakes various fund-raising activities. In 2011, it collaborated with
Durham Cathedral on a 'Carols of Light' event. The event was produced by Tim Rice and included music performances from
Thomas Allen, former
Animals member
Alan Price, and Sunderland based band
The Futureheads. Readings were performed by SAFC Foundation Trustee and former player Niall Quinn, in addition to other sports and media celebrities including journalist Kate Adie, and presenter Steve Cram. In 2012, the SAFC Foundation was rebranded as the Foundation of Light. In 2015, the Foundation was granted permission to open a
free school next to the Stadium of Light. The Sunderland Centre for Opportunity (SCOO) would offer opportunities for vulnerable children who struggle in mainstream education. In September 2018, the
Beacon of Light opened, and became the new official home of the Foundation of Light. The £20m, five-storey building, which sits alongside the Stadium of Light, includes indoor sports courts, indoor and outdoor
artificial turf pitches, as well as classrooms and learning spaces. After purchasing the club in May 2018, Sunderland chairman
Stewart Donald joined the Foundation of Light board of trustees on 11 October 2018. == Financials ==