Ewelme Exhibition Foundation

The Ewelme Exhibition Foundation, formally established in 1897 but tracing its roots to a 1437 charitable endowment by William and Alice de la Pole, is a historic grantmaker dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for financially needy young people in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and the vicinity of Ramridge near Andover, Hampshire. Rooted in a medieval tradition of free education from estate lands, it upholds values of access, talent nurturing, and hardship relief, blending centuries-old philanthropy with responsive, partnership-driven support for schools and individuals to overcome barriers in learning and vocational paths.

It funds direct educational costs like independent school bursaries (jointly with schools), college travel, training/apprenticeship equipment, performing arts ambitions, and school-led cultural outings or theatre trips for disadvantaged pupils. Beneficiaries include those aged 11-24 and older school leavers, prioritizing gifted or needy youth in state-maintained or grassroots schools serving local communities.

Eligible applicants are individuals, academic institutions, and community groups in the specified areas, with unsolicited applications welcomed via email or post using website forms; household income under £75,000 required for bursaries, plus testimonials and school confirmation. Typical grants range £100-£5,000 (school projects £500-£2,000), considered rolling (decisions in 12 weeks) except annual bursary deadline of 31 January (outcomes by April).

Exclusions cover capital/building costs and core funding; it stands out for its unwavering place-based focus, transformative interventions like enabling Royal Ballet entry, and governance tied to its founding Ewelme heritage, fostering elite and equitable educational outcomes over six centuries.