Applying for a grant
The Wolfson Foundation has a two stage application process. Please note that, under some funding programmes, applicants are asked to submit via partner organisations. More details are provided through the relevant programme links opposite. The information below refers to applications submitted directly to the Wolfson Foundation.
Stage 1:
In the first instance, please write with an outline of your project, addressing your letter to our Chief Executive, Paul Ramsbottom. As well as a brief description of the project, the outline should contain the total cost, the current funding shortfall and the proposed timetable. The letter need not be longer than 1-2 pages. It is important, however, that the initial application comes with the full backing of the institution and is therefore signed by the Chief Executive, Vice Chancellor or equivalent.
Statutory accounts for the past two years should be submitted at this initial stage. Our Finance Director may be in contact if there are any queries - so it is helpful to provide contact details for this purpose.
The aim of the first stage is to determine whether a project is eligible. We respond to all enquiries, whether or not we are able to invite a further proposal.
Please note that Stage 1 applications can be submitted at any time but, in any case, no later than mid-January if your intention is to apply to our Stage 2 deadline in March, or no later than mid-July for our Stage 2 deadline in September. It is advantageous to contact us well in advance of these dates.
Stage 2:
Once an application has been invited, guidelines are issued for a full application. The deadlines this year for full, second stage, applications are 1 March and 1 September.
All second stage applications are sent to expert reviewers and are also considered by a specialist panel, who make recommendations to the Trustees. Details of panel membership are given here. If questions or queries are raised by expert reviewers or by the panel, applicants are given a chance to respond.
Please note that match funding is generally expected to be in place before a Stage 2 application is submitted.
Applications from schools follow a slightly different process.
Exclusions
The Trustees do not make grants directly to individuals or conduit organisations. The following are also ineligible for funding:
* Overheads, maintenance costs, VAT and professional fees
* Non-specific appeals (including circulars), and endowment funds
* Costs of meetings, exhibitions, concerts, expeditions, etc.
* The purchase of land or existing buildings (including a building's freehold)
* Film or website production
* Repayment of loans
* Projects that have already been completed or will be by the time of award.