Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is one of the largest independent grant-making trusts in the UK. It gives grants to charities and organisations undertaking work that is legally charitable.

In October 2020, the Foundation launched a new strategy with three interdependent aims – work outside of these aims will no longer be funded.

The three new aims are set out below: each has a set of ‘impact goals’ for 2030 and a portfolio of priorities for the first five years:

Aim 1: Improving Our Natural World

Impact goals:
Preserved and improved species health and habitats
Clean and healthy freshwater
Sustainable and ethical food

Priorities for first five years:
• Peat
• Space for nature
• Freshwater
• Nature-friendly farming
• Fishing in tandem with nature

Aim 2: Tackling injustice to deliver A Fairer Future

Impact goals:
Injustice and structural inequality is challenged and changed
A new inclusive generation of leaders and artists

Priorities for the first five years:
• Acting early on the root causes of problems
• Children and young people’s rights
• Young people leaving care
• Tackling injustice
• Empowering young leaders
• Removing barriers to creative careers
• Cultural education

Aim 3: Nurturing Creative, Confident Communities

Impact goals:
Communities take an active role in decisions that affect them
Local economies work better for the people who live there
Everyone can access the benefits of culture and creativity

Priorities for the first five years:
• Communities working together for change
• Community ownership and regeneration
• Creativity transforming lives
• Culture restoring communities

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation provides long-term, core funding and revenue grants towards project costs. There is also scope for social investment and other forms of support. The grants are for larger charities that can make a significant positive impact and, as such, applicants must have a regular annual turnover of at least £100,000 and must be properly constituted.

Focus of fund/fund aims:

A new strategy to improve the natural world, tackle injustice and support communities

Application deadline:

Applications may be submitted at any time

Fund description:

https://esmeefairbairn.org.uk/