A grantmaker has committed £1m over the next three years to support an outdoor education charity’s “incredible work” with young people.

The Barratt Foundation Trust will donate the money to Outward Bound, whose residential outdoor courses have helped more than 1.2 million people.

The grantmaker has already donated more than £3.1m to the charity.

This latest award comes after the Barratt Foundation, which receives its funding from the housebuilder Barratt Redrow, closed applications to its £300,000 grantmaking programme after finding that 45 per cent of applications failed to meet its funding criteria.

Andy Button-Stephens, head of the Barratt Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with Outward Bound by providing an additional £1m in support.

“Outward Bound offers a unique outlet for growth, enabling young people to connect, build meaningful relationships and develop vital life skills that can transform their futures.

“At the Barratt Foundation, we are passionate about unlocking potential and creating opportunities for young people to thrive.”

Georgina Throw, corporate partnerships lead at Outward Bound, said: “The pressure on charities continues to rise, with increased costs, competition and a surge in demand from those people who need our help.

“At Outward Bound, corporate philanthropy isn’t just a source of funding, it’s a catalyst for unlocking our full potential.

“It’s about forging genuine partnerships that combine financial support, advocacy and expertise, that ultimately has our mission at heart – helping inspire young people to realise their potential.”

As part of the partnership, the charities have commissioned research into the perceived benefits of outdoors activities.