Edufund Uk

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £155,319 (2024)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £10,000
• Total Distributed: £500,000+ to Hertfordshire schools since 2018
• Geographic Focus: Hertfordshire state-funded schools
• Application Type: Rolling for minor awards; competitive annual process for major awards

Contact Details

Website: www.edufunduk.org

Email: info@edufunduk.org

Phone: 01279 874604

Registered Address: Office 9G, Thremhall Park, Start Hill, Bishops Stortford, CM22 7WE

Overview

EDUFUND UK is a small educational charity founded in January 2018 (registered as a CIO in January 2019) based near Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire. With total income of £150,965 and expenditure of £155,319 in 2024, the charity has distributed over £500,000 to Hertfordshire's state-funded primary, secondary, and special schools since its inception. The charity's mission is to advance the education of pupils in state primary and secondary schools by promoting interest, motivation, understanding, and attainment in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, physical education, and creative learning. EDUFUND UK operates with a lean governance structure—all three trustees serve without remuneration—allowing maximum funds to reach beneficiaries. The charity is distinguished by its highly responsive approach, offering both rolling minor awards and annual competitive major awards.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Primary Schools:

• Minor Awards: Up to £1,000 per school per academic year (rolling basis)
• Major Award: £10,000 per academic year (competitive annual process, typically Spring/Summer terms)

Secondary Schools:

• Minor Awards: Up to £1,000 per focus area (PE, STEM, Learning to Learn) per academic year, subject to monthly budget availability (rolling basis)
• Major Awards: Competitive process; recent awards include £10,000 and £5,000 highly commended awards

Priority Areas

Core Focus Areas:

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) - equipment, resources, training, workshops
• Physical Education - equipment, facilities, athletics resources, fitness suites
• Learning to Learn training programs
• Primary Schools Only: English and Foundation subjects

Eligible Projects:

• Resources that enhance learning (e.g., VR systems, interactive displays, Chromebooks, programmable learning tools)
• Training and professional development for staff
• Workshops and educational programs
• Equipment and facilities (e.g., fitness suites, sports equipment, athletics facilities)
• Technology that supports curriculum delivery

Recent Example Projects:

• Nash Mills Primary School: £10,000 for Virtual Reality Learning System benefiting 1,000+ pupils annually
• The Hertfordshire and Essex High School: Outdoor fitness gym package with 12 stations for 1,436 pupils and 150 staff
• Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School: Six interactive ViewBoard displays for science and ICT
• Roundwood Park School: Long jump pit replacement
• Richard Hale School: Fitness suite equipment and indoor athletics “Sportshall” kit

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the charity's scope is limited to:

• State-funded schools only (not independent schools)
• Hertfordshire-based schools only
• Projects must align with focus areas (STEM, PE, Learning to Learn, and for primary schools: English and Foundation)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• David William Butterfield - Chair
• Corrina Savanah Mottram - Trustee
• Linda Jane Butterfield - Trustee

All trustees serve without remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity, ensuring funds are directed to beneficiaries.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Eligibility:

• Must be a direct employee of a Hertfordshire state-funded primary, secondary, or special school
• Project must improve learning in designated focus areas
• Must demonstrate positive impact on learning

Application Requirements:

• Online application form (described as “simple and short”)
• Specific items/activities with hyperlinks or quotes showing details and prices
• All costings must be ex-VAT
• Preference for fully funded projects; partial funding considered if at least 50% funded by EDUFUND UK
• Applicants advised to word process longer answers before submission
• Supporting documentation can be emailed

Application Process:

• Minor Awards: Apply at any time during the school year (rolling basis)
• Major Awards: Specific application window during Spring/Summer terms
• Check monthly funding budget before applying (available on website)
• Follow links to Primary Awards or Secondary Awards pages for current criteria and remaining budget

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not explicitly published but awards are processed on a rolling basis for minor awards. Schools are notified via email. The charity operates efficiently given its small administrative structure.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The charity notes that applications must “pass their criteria” and that they do not publish the initial mark scheme to avoid applications being written “to the scheme” rather than giving realistic assessments of projects.

Reapplication Policy

• Primary schools: One minor award per school per academic year (up to £1,000)
• Secondary schools: Up to £1,000 per focus area (PE, STEM, Learning to Learn) per academic year
• Schools can apply for major awards annually through the competitive process

Post-Award Requirements:

• Feedback required via online “Award Impact Feedback Form”
• Typically submitted two terms after receiving the grant
• Email reminders sent to schools to assess impact on pupil motivation and achievement

Application Success Factors

EDUFUND UK provides specific guidance for applicants that reveals their decision-making priorities:

Demonstrate Learning Benefits Clearly:

The charity states: “EDUFUND UK makes judgements on the learning benefits of projects but are not experts in all subjects so it is up to the applicant to explain how the project will bestow the learning benefits to their particular body of students.” This means applications must clearly articulate the educational rationale and expected learning outcomes.

Evidence Your Claims:

“Extra credit is given if the applicant evidences any stated benefits – this might be from e.g. research findings or school experience of similar/related initiatives.” Successful applications cite educational research, pilot programs, or documented experiences from other schools to support their proposals.

Be Realistic, Not Strategic:

The charity deliberately does not publish their marking scheme "to avoid bids being written 'to the scheme' rather than giving a realistic assessment of the project and its benefits." They value authentic assessments of need and benefit over applications crafted to tick boxes.

Provide Specific Costings:

All applications must include “specific items/activities with hyperlinks or quotes showing details and prices” with “all costings must be ex-VAT.” Vague budget estimates will not be accepted.

Show Scale of Impact:

Successful major award applications often highlight the number of pupils who will benefit. For example, Nash Mills Primary School emphasized their project would “benefit more than 1,000 pupils annually for at least 5 years.”

Preference for Full Funding:

While the charity “prefer fully funded projects,” they will consider “partial funding if at least 50% funded by EDUFUND UK.” Applications requesting partial funding should clearly explain other funding sources.

School Testimonial Insight:

One school described EDUFUND UK as "A brilliant charity which allows us to develop projects we couldn't afford otherwise," highlighting that competitive applications should demonstrate projects that represent genuine need and would not proceed without grant support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus is ultra-specific: Only Hertfordshire state-funded schools in designated subject areas (STEM, PE, Learning to Learn, plus English/Foundation for primary) are eligible
• Two pathways available: Minor awards (up to £1,000) offer quick rolling access; major awards (up to £10,000) are highly competitive annual opportunities
• Evidence trumps enthusiasm: Back up learning benefit claims with research, pilot data, or documented experiences from similar initiatives
• Be realistic and specific: Provide detailed costings with links/quotes; explain genuine need; avoid writing to a perceived marking scheme
• Scale matters for major awards: Demonstrate how many pupils will benefit and for how long to strengthen competitive applications
• Budget monitoring is key: Check monthly remaining budget on website before applying, as minor awards are subject to availability
• Post-award accountability: Be prepared to complete impact feedback forms two terms after receiving funding to support the charity's reporting requirements

References

• EDUFUND UK official website: www.edufunduk.org
• Charity Commission Register, EDUFUND UK (Charity Number 1181708): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5118592/full-print
• EDUFUND UK, “How to Apply for a Grant”: https://www.edufunduk.org/how-to-apply-for-a-grant1
• EDUFUND UK, “Primary Award Winners”: https://www.edufunduk.org/primary-award-winners/
• EDUFUND UK, “Secondary Award Winners”: https://www.edufunduk.org/secondary-award-winners/