Foundation Funding
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Guide 2024
Comprehensive guide to securing Esmée Fairbairn Foundation funding for your social change, environmental, and cultural projects focused on systems change.
>£55M
Annual Investment
>£5k-£300k
Grant Range
25%
Average Success Rate
16 weeks
Decision Timeline
Main Funding Streams
Social Change Fund
22% success rate
Funding Range: £10,000 - £200,000
Deadlines: Quarterly deadlines
Focus: Social justice initiatives
Environment Fund
25% success rate
Funding Range: £15,000 - £300,000
Deadlines: Three rounds yearly
Focus: Environmental sustainability
Arts and Culture Fund
28% success rate
Funding Range: £5,000 - £150,000
Deadlines: Ongoing applications
Focus: Creative and cultural projects
Priority Funding Areas
Climate justice and environmental action
Food and farming systems change
Migration and refugee support
Criminal justice reform
Economic inequality reduction
Democratic participation and rights
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply
- Registered charities
- Community interest companies
- Community and voluntary organizations
- Social enterprises
Key Criteria
- Systems change focus
- Evidence-based approach
- Collaborative working
- Innovation and learning
Application Process & Timeline
1
Research and Planning (6-8 weeks)
Systems analysis, partnership building, evidence gathering
2
Expression of Interest (2 weeks)
Initial proposal submission and screening
3
Full Application (4-6 weeks)
Detailed proposal development and submission
4
Assessment & Decision (12-16 weeks)
Due diligence, assessment, and trustee decision
Success Factors
- Systems change approach
- Strong evidence base and research
- Collaborative partnerships
- Long-term sustainability plan
- Clear theory of change
- Innovative and scalable solutions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Short-term project thinking
- Weak evidence of systemic impact
- Poor partnership development
- Unrealistic change expectations
- Insufficient consultation
- Weak monitoring framework
Key Application Components
Systems Change Strategy
- • Clear theory of change
- • Systems mapping and analysis
- • Leverage points identification
- • Collaborative approach design
Evidence and Learning
- • Research and evidence base
- • Monitoring and evaluation plan
- • Learning and adaptation strategy
- • Knowledge sharing approach
Ready to Apply for Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Funding?
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