Eton Action

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Variable (£100,000+ in successful years)
• Grant Distribution: Total funds raised divided equally among 5 selected charities
• Number of Grants: 5 charities selected annually
• Geographic Focus: Local (Windsor/Slough), National (UK), and International
• Application Deadline: End of December
• Decision Time: Notification during Lent term (February-March)

Contact Details

Email: etonaction@etoncollege.org.uk

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 organisations. Each academic year, five charities are selected through a democratic voting process involving Eton's students and staff. Students raise funds 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 raising £30,000-£32,000) plus additional student-led activities including sponsored runs, sports tournaments, and creative events. Eton Action represents a distinctive grant-making model that promotes charitable giving and social responsibility among young people.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Annual Charity Selection Programme: Grants distributed equally among selected charities

• Five charities selected each academic year
• Total funds raised divided equally among the five 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 different geographic scopes:

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

Supported 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
• Organisations must be able to engage with and inspire young people
• Charities should offer creative opportunities for student fundraising

Ready to write a winning application for Eton Action?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save hours and increase your success rate.

Learn more >

Governance and Leadership

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 organise the Annual General Meeting, coordinate fundraising events, and manage the annual Eton Action Fair.

How to Apply to Eton Action

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

• Charities shortlisted for presentation
• Shortlisted charities present at Annual General Meeting
• Five charities selected through student and staff voting

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

The process is highly competitive with only 5 charities selected from all applicants each year 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: Organisations connecting with young people's interests have significant advantage. Selections show strong interest in mental health, refugee support, and youth-relevant causes.

1. Clear Impact Narrative: Successful charities articulate specific, tangible outcomes - from literacy programmes to wildlife conservation.

1. Presentation Skills: Shortlisted charities must deliver engaging presentations to students and staff at the Annual General Meeting.

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: The charity seeks variety in the causes supported. 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: Written application must be compelling to reach the AGM presentation stage
• 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
• Equal distribution: Funds raised throughout the year are divided equally among the five selected charities
• 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:

• Makers Of Playing Cards Charity
• Baldwin's Bridge Trust
• The Eranda Rothschild Foundation
• Brampton Charitable Trust
• The Cumber Family Charitable Trust
• Raise Your Hands
• Chartered Accountants' Livery Charity
• The Rhododendron Trust
• The Geoffrey Watling Charity
• The Prince Philip Trust Fund

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