R & A Foundation

The R&A Foundation, established over 20 years ago as the charitable arm of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (The R&A) in St Andrews, reinvests proceeds from The Open Championship and other sources into transformative golf-related initiatives worldwide, guided by the mission of creating "good through golf." Its distinctive approach blends sport governance, heritage preservation, and philanthropy to drive positive social and environmental change, emphasizing partnerships with charities, industry affiliates, and universities across five core themes: accessibility (for diverse groups like youth, women, disabled people, and underrepresented communities), sustainability (environmental research and STEM programs), health (wellbeing via golf), heritage (historical preservation and museums), and talent (scholarships for elite amateurs).

The Foundation funds projects, capacity building, unrestricted support, and bursaries that enhance golf's impact, including facilities development, innovation research (e.g., climate impact studies with St Andrews University), community programs like Glasgow's Golf It!, women's academies in Asia-Pacific, African high-performance player support, caddie oral histories, and international greenkeeping exchanges. Beneficiaries span individuals, communities, and organizations globally, with grants awarded in the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted except for the open Royal and Ancient Golf Club Scholarship (for promising young players worldwide; up to £10,000/year education + £5,000/year golf, 4-year bursaries), requiring an online form, CV, 250-word statement, referees, and deadline of 12 March 2025. Organizational grants (£10,000+ to six figures) are invitation-only for pre-selected strategic partners, with no income/size thresholds, geographic restrictions, or religious limits specified. It uniquely stands out for its flexible, theme-aligned funding from event revenues and donors, prioritizing innovation, inclusion, youth, female participation, and environmental responsibility without rigid exclusions beyond open calls.