British Fashion Council Foundation

Charity Number: 1185152

Annual Expenditure: £1.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £1,200,000
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Varies by program
  • Grant Range: Up to £250,000 (scholarships) | Up to £50,000 (Fashion Trust) | £150,000 (Vogue Designer Fashion Fund)
  • Geographic Focus: United Kingdom (UK-based businesses and students)

Contact Details

Website: www.britishfashioncouncil.co.uk

Email: info@britishfashioncouncil.com

Phone: 020 7759 1999

Overview

The British Fashion Council Foundation (Charity Number: 1185152) was formed through the amalgamation of previous BFC charities in December 2021. The Foundation supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry by focusing on three key areas: education, grant-giving, and business mentoring. In the financial year 2022/2023, the Foundation distributed £1.2 million to 39 designers and 30 students through mentoring and financial support grants. The charity is co-chaired by philanthropists and investors Narmina Marandi and Tania Fares, with trustees including Stephanie Phair (Chairman), Caroline Rush CBE (Chief Executive Officer), and Laura Strain (Chief Operating Officer) of the British Fashion Council. The Foundation aims to strengthen those leading the way in creativity, positive business growth, environmental and community impact, while improving equality, equity, and opportunity so that the fashion industry remains open to all.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

BFC Fashion Trust (Up to £50,000)

Accelerates business growth through financial grants and mentoring for established designers. Since 2011, has awarded over £3 million to 58 designer businesses. Grants support strategic projects in merchandising, e-commerce, production, sampling, and other business growth areas. Applications are assessed by judging panels.

BFC NEWGEN (Partnership with TikTok)

Supports highly creative designer fashion businesses that have been actively trading for less than 3 years. Provides financial grants, showcasing opportunities at London Fashion Week (up to two fashion weeks per year), individual mentoring, and business training. Recipients can benefit from the programme for up to three years. Includes pro-bono legal services from DLA Piper and tax/accounting support from RSM.

BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund (£150,000)

Established in 2008 for promising designers at the relative start of their career. Awards a £150,000 cash prize to celebrate exceptional talent and creativity while empowering business growth through bespoke high-level mentoring and professional services. Supported by British Vogue, Burberry, and Paul Smith.

BFC/GQ Designer Menswear Fund

Supports emerging menswear designers with financial grants and mentoring opportunities.

Scholarships (£250,000 total annually across 26 scholarships)

  • BA Scholarships: For students with an offer from or currently studying Fashion Design BA Honours at BFC Colleges Council member universities. Covers course tuition fees with contributions to course costs or living expenses.
  • MA Scholarships: For students accepted on MA Fashion Design courses at BFC Colleges Council member universities. Various scholarships funded by CHANEL and Dior MEN cover tuition fees, course costs, living expenses, and final collection production.
  • BA Final Year Scholarships: Funding to cover costs for students' final collections.

Priority Areas

  • Emerging UK fashion talent with strong creativity and design aesthetic
  • Designer businesses demonstrating sustainable practices aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Projects focused on business infrastructure development (e-commerce, production, merchandising)
  • Students demonstrating both talent and financial need
  • Diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity in fashion
  • Ready-to-wear collections and accessories (including millinery and jewellery)
  • International and UK market presence
  • Environmental and community impact

What They Don't Fund

  • Bridalwear collections
  • Childrenswear collections
  • Sole trader businesses (Fashion Trust requires UK company registration with Companies House)
  • Businesses where the designer/creative director does not hold majority ownership
  • Businesses trading for more than 3 years (for NEWGEN only)
  • Businesses trading for less than 3 years (for Fashion Trust - minimum 3 years required)
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Stephanie Phair (Chairman) - Former Chief Strategy Officer at Farfetch and founder of The Outnet
  • Caroline Rush CBE (Chief Executive Officer)
  • Laura Strain (Chief Operating Officer)

Co-Chairs (Fundraising):

  • Narmina Marandi - Investor, Chairman of Board of Directors at Anya Hindmarch, investor and director at Emilia Wickstead
  • Tania Fares - Co-founder and co-chair of the Fashion Trust (launched 2011 with BFC)

Leadership Quotes:

Caroline Rush CBE emphasizes that NEWGEN “supports the best emerging fashion design talent and offers an unprecedented look into how fashion careers are forged.” She advises: “Strive for excellence, but if you fall short, remember no one died. It is all about perspective.” She also strongly advocates that being nice is important: "There's no need to have a master plan. I never had a one for my career, but I always liked fashion."

Stephanie Phair, former BFC Chair, stated: "It's about keeping that balance between supporting the grass roots and what British fashion stands for, while thinking globally because that's how business works and how digital works.“ She also emphasized: ”There's a whole sustainability angle to this, and if the high street can understand that you can create product at a good price point but with sustainability in mind, that will be the solution to get the consumer back."

Currently, 47 Patrons support the charity annually under the leadership of Tania Fares and Narmina Marandi, demonstrating successful fundraising efforts.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

BFC Fashion Trust:

Applications available through the BFC website. Requires detailed business plan identifying specific growth area and project timeline. Must not exceed £50,000 in requested funding. Applications reviewed by sift panel to create shortlist, then judging panel selects recipients. Application cycle typically opens annually.

BFC NEWGEN:

Designers are identified by BFC based on creativity, strong design aesthetic, and point of difference. Application details available at britishfashioncouncil.co.uk. Must demonstrate adherence to principles aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund:

Applications typically close in early part of the year (historical deadline: early February). Shortlist announced several weeks later. Application portal available on BFC website.

Scholarships:

Applications typically open in June each year. Assessed based on talent and need, using portfolio submissions and information about financial circumstances. Shortlisted applications reviewed by panels consisting of fashion educators and key industry representatives.

Decision Timeline

Scholarships: Applications open in June; recipients announced for following academic year (e.g., applications June 2024 for 2024/25 academic year).

Fashion Trust: Annual grant recipients announced in late spring/early summer.

BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund: Shortlist typically announced in February, with final recipients announced later in the year.

Specific timelines vary by program and year. Contact the Foundation for current deadlines.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed by the Foundation. Given the competitive nature and prestige of BFC programmes, applicants should expect significant competition.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not explicitly stated in publicly available materials. Prospective applicants should contact the Foundation directly for guidance on reapplying after unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

For Designer Business Support (Fashion Trust, NEWGEN, Designer Fashion Funds):

  1. Strong Business Infrastructure and Planning: Demonstrate clear, specific projects with defined timelines and measurable outcomes. Fashion Trust specifically requires identification of a particular business area to grow within a set timeframe.
  1. International Presence: Show evidence of UK and international stockists and/or strong direct-to-consumer sales. International distribution and recognition are key criteria.
  1. Sustainability Commitment: Align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate commitment to environmental and community impact. The BFC has explicitly adopted sustainability requirements.
  1. Creativity and Point of Difference: NEWGEN identifies designers based on creativity, strong design aesthetic, and unique point of difference in the market.
  1. Professional Track Record: For Fashion Trust, minimum 3 years trading required. For NEWGEN, less than 3 years. Demonstrate regular professional engagement and consistent market presence.
  1. Recognition by Industry Leaders: Evidence of recognition from internationally renowned fashion designers, fashion media, retailers, or brands strengthens applications.
  1. London Fashion Week Participation: Applicants who produce fashion shows are advised to show at London Fashion Week where applicable.

Recent Funded Projects (2024 Fashion Trust Recipients):

  • Completedworks
  • Conner Ives
  • E.L.V. Denim
  • Helen Kirkum
  • Labrum London
  • Tove

These designers were selected for their specific strategic plans to expand aspects of their businesses in areas like merchandising, e-commerce, production, and sampling.

For Scholarships:

  1. Talent and Portfolio Quality: Strong creative work demonstrated through portfolio submission is essential.
  1. Financial Need: Clear demonstration of financial circumstances and need for support.
  1. Enrolment at BFC Colleges Council Member Universities: Must have offer from or be studying at qualifying institutions.
  1. Strong References: References from academics and industry representatives are considered.

Key Application Tips:

  • Be specific about your business growth plans and how funding will be used
  • Demonstrate both UK roots and global ambitions
  • Emphasize sustainability practices and positive impact
  • Show evidence of stockist relationships and sales performance
  • Provide proof of industry recognition and media coverage from prominent sources
  • For emerging designers, consider starting with support from Fashion East, Sarabande Foundation, or Centre for Fashion Enterprise before applying to BFC programmes
  • Ensure all materials (portfolio, business plans, financial documentation) are professionally presented
  • Be prepared to articulate your unique design perspective and market position

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Match Your Business Stage to the Right Programme: NEWGEN supports businesses trading less than 3 years; Fashion Trust requires minimum 3 years trading. Apply to the appropriate scheme for your development stage.
  1. Think Globally, Root Locally: The BFC values British design talent but requires demonstration of international market presence and ambitions. Balance your UK identity with global market strategy.
  1. Sustainability is Not Optional: Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals and environmental responsibility are increasingly central to BFC selection criteria. Make sustainability integral to your application.
  1. Be Specific About Business Growth: Vague aspirations won't succeed. Identify precise business areas for development (e-commerce infrastructure, production capacity, merchandising systems) with clear timelines and measurable outcomes.
  1. Leverage Industry Recognition: Strong applications include evidence of support from established designers, prominent media coverage, and recognition from major retailers or brands. Build these relationships before applying.
  1. Ready-to-Wear and Accessories Only: If your collections focus on bridalwear or childrenswear, BFC Foundation programmes are not suitable. Ensure your product categories align with their funding priorities.
  1. Multiple Pathways to Support: The Foundation offers several programmes—scholarships, NEWGEN, Fashion Trust, Designer Fashion Funds. Research all options to find the best fit for your career stage and needs.

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References