Eton Action

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £100,000+ (total raised)
• Grant Range: £6,000 - £6,500 per charity
• Number of Grants: 5 charities selected annually
• Geographic Focus: Local (Windsor/Slough), National (UK), and International
• Application Deadline: End of December
• Decision Time: 2-3 months (notification during Lent term)

Contact Details

Email: etonaction@etoncollege.org.uk

Phone: 01753 370573

Website: https://www.etoncollege.com/eton-outwards/eton-action/

Address: Eton College, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 6DW

Overview

Eton Action is a unique student-led registered charity (258247) founded by Eton College students and still run by them today. Established under a 1968 Trust Deed, the charity advances charitable purposes worldwide through grants to external organizations. Each academic year, five charities are selected through a democratic voting process involving Eton's students and staff. In 2024/25, students raised over £100,000 through the annual Eton Action Fair and numerous other fundraising events throughout the year. The charity's primary income comes from the September fair (typically £30,000-£38,000) plus additional student-led activities including sponsored runs, sports tournaments, and creative events. With 12 trustees providing oversight and reported income of £54,010 in 2024, Eton Action represents a distinctive grant-making model that promotes charitable giving and social responsibility among young people.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Annual Charity Selection Programme: £6,000 - £6,500 per charity

• Five charities selected each academic year
• Funds distributed equally among selected charities
• Application via email by end of December
• Selection through student and staff voting at Annual General Meeting
• Fixed annual deadline with notification during Lent term

Priority Areas

Eton Action supports a deliberately diverse range of causes across three categories:

• Local charities: Organizations serving Windsor, Slough, and surrounding areas (e.g., Well Windsor, Windsor Foodshare, Slough Refugee Support)
• National charities: UK-wide organizations addressing major health and social issues (e.g., Alzheimer's Research UK, CALM, BEAT Eating Disorders, Lymphoma Action)
• International charities: Organizations working on global challenges (e.g., Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, Asha Nepal, Restart Africa)

Recent funded themes include mental health, eating disorders, refugee support, children's welfare, medical research, palliative care, poverty relief, literacy, and environmental conservation.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, as a student-led charity with limited funds:

• Only registered charities (must have Charity Commission number)
• Only five charities selected annually
• Organizations must be able to engage with and inspire young people
• Charities should offer creative opportunities for student fundraising

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (12 total) including:

• Tom Arbuthnott (appointed February 2017)
• Alison Henderson (appointed February 2017)
• Peter John McKee (appointed September 2021)
• Philip Highy BEM (appointed January 2023)
• Lady Georgia Elizabeth Coleridge (appointed October 2024)
• Kristen Hassler (appointed January 2025)

Rev. Rupert Demery - Eton Action Secretary, provides adult oversight for the student-led charity. He has stated: "It's a privilege to see boys giving their talents and energy for the sake of others."

The charity is run by a student committee at Eton College, who organize the Annual General Meeting, coordinate fundraising events, and manage the annual Eton Action Fair.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

• Letter outlining your charity's work (Word/PDF format - not in email body)
• Annual accounts
• Registered charity number

• Email to: etonaction@etoncollege.org.uk
• Deadline: End of December

• Nine charities shortlisted (three per category: local, national, international)
• Shortlisted charities present at Annual General Meeting
• Five charities selected through student and staff voting (one per category plus two from Social Impact Challenge)

Decision Timeline

• December: Application deadline
• January-February: Shortlisting and AGM preparation
• Lent Term (February-March): Annual General Meeting with presentations and voting
• Lent Term: Successful charities notified (unsuccessful applicants not contacted)
• September: Academic year begins with major Eton Action Fair

Success Rates

While specific rates aren't published, the process is highly competitive:

• Only 5 charities selected from all applicants
• 9 charities reach presentation stage
• Selection through democratic vote

Reapplication Policy

The charity selects entirely new charities each academic year. No stated restriction on charities reapplying in subsequent years if previously unsuccessful or after several years since support.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of successfully funded charities and the selection process:

1. Student Appeal: Organizations connecting with young people's interests have significant advantage. Recent selections show strong interest in mental health (CALM, BEAT), refugee support, and youth-relevant causes.

1. Clear Impact Narrative: Successful charities articulate specific, tangible outcomes - from literacy programs (ABC to Read) to wildlife conservation (Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation).

1. Presentation Skills: Shortlisted charities must deliver engaging presentations to students and staff. As stated: “after the boys in each category delivered their presentation the attendees were able to vote online.”

1. Category Awareness: With charities split into local, national, and international categories, be clear about your category and understand your competition.

1. Fundraising Potential: Charities should offer “creative fundraising ideas, to be showcased at the Eton Action Fair, and engagement and impact from student supporters.”

1. Diversity of Cause: Looking at the range supported - from eating disorders to orangutan conservation - the charity seeks variety. Causes complementing rather than duplicating recent selections may have advantages.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Student-centric approach is essential: Your application must resonate with teenage boys and inspire enthusiastic fundraising
• December deadline is firm: Applications required by end of December for following academic year
• Presentation stage is crucial: Only 9 applicants reach AGM presentations - written application must be compelling
• Only successful applicants notified: No news during Lent term means unsuccessful - plan accordingly
• Consider the Fair: The September Eton Action Fair is central to fundraising - mention how your charity could be represented
• £6,000-£6,500 grant size: While modest compared to major trusts, this unrestricted income is valuable for smaller organizations
• Democratic selection process: Student and staff voting means authentic, engaging stories can overcome limited marketing budgets

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Baldwin's Bridge Trust
• The Cumber Family Charitable Trust
• The Eranda Rothschild Foundation
• The Rhododendron Trust
• The Danson Foundation
• TALLOW CHANDLERS BENEVOLENT FUND NO 2
• Chartered Accountants' Livery Charity
• The Geoffrey Watling Charity
• Sir Walter St. John's Educational Charity
• The Swire Charitable Trust

References

• Charity Commission Register - Eton Action (Charity Number 258247). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/258247
• Eton College. “Eton Action.” https://www.etoncollege.com/eton-outwards/eton-action/
• Eton College. “Eton Action Fair 2024 Raises over £32,000 for Charities.” School news article
• Eton College. “50th Eton Action Fair Raises over £30,000 for Charities.” School news article
• TotalGiving. “Eton Action - Donate to Charity.” https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/charity/eton-action
• JustGiving. “Eton Action 2024-25.” Campaign page