Bishop Fox's Educational Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £160,000 (approximately)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Up to 10 weeks from application deadline to payment
• Grant Range: Up to £2,500 (average £600)
• Geographic Focus: Former Borough of Taunton Deane, Somerset
• Age Range: 11-25 years

Contact Details

Website: www.bfef.org.uk

Email: Sean.Boland@somersetcf.org.uk

Phone: 01749 344949

Administration: Managed by Somerset Community Foundation

Overview

Bishop Fox's Educational Foundation traces its history to the Taunton Grammar School endowed by Bishop of Winchester Richard Foxe in 1522. In 1991, the charity was re-established as Bishop Fox's Educational Foundation with the aim of benefiting young people in Taunton Deane to enhance their education. When the old school buildings were sold in 1940, the proceeds were invested by the Foundation, and the income from these investments now funds grants.

The Foundation awards approximately £160,000 annually to students, schools, and organisations supporting young people within the former Taunton Deane area. For the financial year ending March 2024, the Foundation reported total income of £179,295 and total expenditure of £230,276. The Foundation is dedicated to improving educational opportunities through accredited education and training routes, including higher education, music and other arts, sports, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Grants: Up to £2,500 (average £600)

• Application method: Online via Somerset Community Foundation portal
• Rolling applications with quarterly decision meetings (January, March, June, September)
• Open to students aged 11-24 with connections to former Borough of Taunton Deane

School and Organisation Grants: Up to £2,500

• Application method: Separate online form
• Supports organisations working with young people in the area
• Recent example: Partnership with Otterhead Forest School to offer bespoke Forest School sessions to local secondary school students

Priority Areas

The Foundation supports accredited education and training routes, including:

• Higher Education: Fees and costs for accredited courses not eligible for student loans
• Arts: Music and other creative arts development
• Sports: Costs associated with progressing in sport or taking part in competitions
• Apprenticeships and Employment: Support for vocational training
• Recognised Talents: Costs associated with pursuing recognised talents
• Educational Trips: Equipment or other costs for trips or expeditions (maximum £250 towards school-organised trips)
• Widening Participation: Support to increase engagement in different academic subjects and educational activities

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not extensively documented, the Foundation requires that:

• All applications must have a clear educational purpose that helps applicants learn new things and progress in life
• Funding must be for accredited courses or recognised activities
• Applicants must have geographic connections to former Borough of Taunton Deane

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Governance and Leadership

Chair of Trustees: Jane Barrie OBE DL

Current Trustees: Philippa Hawks, Jane Barrie OBE, Stephen Martin-Scott, Ian Pinder, Elaine Waymouth, Derek Smart, Mark Tilleray, and David Joslin

Governance Structure: The Foundation operates under a scheme dated 07/03/1991 as amended by resolutions dated 14/05/2012, 21/09/2015, and 26 June 2017. Since April 2023, the grant scheme has been administered through Somerset Community Foundation, which has improved both grant application processes and governance.

Decision-Making Process: Expert team members at Somerset Community Foundation carry out full reviews of all applications and provide summary reports including award recommendations for each Board meeting. The Trustees make final decisions based on these recommendations.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Individuals:

• Online application form via Somerset Community Foundation website or www.bfef.org.uk
• Applications accepted on a rolling basis
• Must provide details of a Sponsor who knows you well and fully understands your application

For Schools and Organisations:

• Separate online application form available
• Rolling applications with same decision schedule

Required Information:

• Clear explanation of what you want to achieve
• How the grant will help you learn new things and progress
• Sponsor details who can support your application
• Evidence of connection to former Borough of Taunton Deane

Decision Timeline

• Submission: Applications accepted year-round
• Board Meetings: Four times annually (typically January, March, June, September)
• Assessment: Applications reviewed by Somerset Community Foundation team before Board meetings
• Total Timeline: Up to 10 weeks from application deadline through to payment
• Notification: Foundation may contact applicants if they have questions during assessment

Planning Advice: Submit applications well in advance of when funds are needed, given the up-to-10-week processing time.

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publicly disclose application numbers or success rates. However, they distribute approximately £160,000 annually, with average grants of £600, suggesting they award roughly 250+ individual grants per year (though this varies based on grant sizes).

Reapplication Policy

Applicants can apply more than once, but 12 months must have passed since the last grant award before submitting another application.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Priority: The Foundation prioritises applications from people who currently live and attend a state-funded school or college in the former Borough of Taunton Deane. When applications are similar and numerous, priority is given to those who attend or have previously attended Bishop Fox's School.

Clear Educational Purpose: According to the Foundation's guidance, “Whatever you ask for must help you learn new things and progress in your life.” Applications should clearly demonstrate educational value and personal development outcomes.

Strong Sponsor Support: The sponsor requirement is critical. The Foundation states that “your sponsor should know you well and fully understand your application, including what you want to achieve.” Choose sponsors who can genuinely speak to your educational goals and commitment.

Accredited Routes: The Foundation emphasises support for “accredited education and training routes,” so applications should reference recognised qualifications, competitions, or structured developmental programs where possible.

Advance Planning: Given the up-to-10-week timeline, successful applicants plan ahead. Last-minute requests for immediate funding are less likely to be accommodated within the quarterly decision cycle.

Realistic Amounts: With an average grant of £600 and maximum of £2,500, applications should request appropriate amounts. The Foundation notes that most grants are “much less” than the maximum, suggesting that modest, well-justified requests may be viewed favourably.

State-Funded Connection: The Foundation specifically supports those attending or having attended state-funded schools and colleges, not private institutions (with the exception of Bishop Fox's School due to historical connections).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Historic Legacy, Modern Mission: This 500+ year-old educational endowment has evolved into a contemporary grant-making foundation focused on widening participation and supporting diverse educational pathways beyond traditional academic routes.

• Geographic Specificity Matters: Strong connections to the former Borough of Taunton Deane are essential. Be explicit about your residential or educational ties to this specific area.

• Bishop Fox's School Connection Helps: If you have any connection to Bishop Fox's School, highlight this in your application as it may provide an advantage when applications are competitive.

• Think Beyond University: The Foundation explicitly supports sports, arts, apprenticeships, and employment training—not just academic study. Don't assume grants are only for university students.

• Modest Requests Welcomed: With an average grant of £600, don't feel you need to request large amounts. Well-justified smaller grants for specific equipment, fees, or opportunities are the foundation's bread and butter.

• Professional Administration: Since Somerset Community Foundation took over administration in April 2023, processes have been streamlined and professionalised. Expect clear communication and systematic assessment.

• Quarterly Patience Required: With only four decision points per year, timing your application strategically and building in buffer time is essential for planning.

References

• Bishop Fox's Educational Foundation Official Website
• Somerset Community Foundation - BFEF Grant Details
• UK Charity Commission - BFEF Charity Profile
• OpenCharities - BFEF Financial Information
• BFEF Individual Grants Application Form
• BFEF Schools and Organisations Application Form
• Somerset Community Foundation - SCF Takes on Historic Taunton Educational Trust

All sources.