Ernest Cook Trust

The Ernest Cook Trust, founded in 1952 by Ernest Cook—grandson of travel pioneer Thomas Cook—is a leading UK educational charity with over 9,000 hectares of rural land across six English counties. Rooted in a passion for countryside conservation and lifelong learning from nature, its mission empowers disadvantaged children, young people, families, and communities—prioritizing underserved and minoritised ethnic groups—to connect with the natural world, fostering environmental stewardship, resilience, biodiversity awareness, and outdoor learning. Distinctive for blending direct land-based programmes with grantmaking, it acts as a convener and influencer on sustainability, rural wellbeing, and embedding outdoor education in schools and beyond, guided by values of collaboration, innovation, diversity, and evidence-based impact.

It funds thematic priorities in outdoor learning and environmental education, supporting hands-on nature experiences, school visits, play areas, biodiversity projects, vocational apprenticeships, equipment (e.g., outdoor clothing), transport, and capacity-building like the Green Influencers Scheme or Owl Collaboration. Key programmes include Outdoor Essentials Grants for essentials and Outdoor Learning Officer Grants for dedicated roles, targeting formal/informal settings to boost wellbeing, skills, and youth leadership.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, CICs, community groups, state schools, and academic institutions in specific postcode areas: Cumbria/Lancashire (BB, CA, FY, LA, PR), Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Avon (GL, SN, BS, BA20-22), and Leicestershire (LE), with preference for small-to-medium entities serving disadvantaged groups; no strict income limits or religious restrictions. Applications via EOI then full online forms for open rounds (not rolling), with next Outdoor Learning Officer EOI deadline 31 October 2025; decisions in 8-12 weeks. Grants range £500–£60,000 (e.g., £500/project or up to £20,000/year for officers, multi-year possible).

Exclusions cover unrestricted core/capital funding or non-aligned activities; uniquely, its land ownership enables hybrid direct delivery and scalable partnerships, prioritizing transformational, measurable outcomes for an environmentally engaged society.