About Us

At Spirit of 2012, we believe that happiness is more than a fleeting feeling, it is essential and a measurable way to improve communities and lives. Since founding in 2013, we’ve been on a mission to understand what makes people happier and communities stronger. Inspired by the energy, pride and togetherness sparked by the London 2012 Games, we have dedicated ourselves to ensuring that spirit lived on.

Funded by a £47 million endowment from The National Lottery Community Fund, we supported projects across the UK that brought people together. Whether through arts, volunteering, sports or other activities, we seized the opportunity to help individuals connect, grow and thrive. Along the way, we learned an awful lot about why and how participating in shared experiences boosts wellbeing, and how those experiences can bring communities closer. Central to everything we did was a commitment to evaluating every project we funded. By understanding what works, what doesn’t and why, we have built up a wealth of knowledge to share with others.

Although Spirit of 2012 will close at the end of 2025, our story doesn’t stop here. This website stands as a record of our work and a hub of resources for others to build on our legacy. From research insights to practical tools, you’ll find everything you need to create your own events, inspire participation, and amplify the power of happiness in communities.