James Marshall Foundation Cio

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £200,000 - £300,000
• Number of Grants: 850-1,000 per year
• Success Rate: 95%
• Decision Time: 2 weeks (typically)
• Grant Range: Varies by need (up to £2,000 for some items)
• Geographic Focus: Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Kimpton, Redbourn, Flamstead, and Markyate
• Charity Number: 1181004

Contact Details

Website: www.jamesmarshallfoundation.co.uk

Email: office@jamesmarshallfoundation.co.uk

Phone: 01582 760735

Office: 17 Leyton Road, Harpenden

Applications can be submitted through their online application form on the website or by requesting a paper application form.

Overview

The James Marshall Foundation CIO is one of the UK's longest-running youth charities, founded in 1722 when local landowner James Marshall bequeathed property to support young people from families of limited means in preparing them for work or establishing themselves in a career. The Foundation celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2022. Today, it generates income from commercial property assets to fund approximately 850-1,000 individual grants annually, totaling £200,000-£300,000. The Foundation's vision is “to change lives by growing the potential of financially disadvantaged young people in our local community.” With a 95% success rate for applications, the Foundation maintains an accessible and supportive approach to helping young people aged 4-24 in six local Hertfordshire parishes access educational and career development opportunities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates a single, flexible grant program with rolling applications processed within two weeks. Grants are awarded based on individual need and circumstances, with the Foundation considering each application on its merits. Recent years have seen grants ranging from smaller amounts for school uniform to nearly £2,000 for apprenticeship tools.

Application Method: Rolling basis via online portal or paper application

Priority Areas

Educational Support (Ages 4-24)

• School uniform and equipment
• Laptops and technology for homework/studies (Key Stage 2 and above)
• Curriculum-related residential school trips
• Extra-curricular activities (sports, music, creative arts)

Further and Higher Education

• College/university costs (particularly accommodation)
• Further education course fees
• Travel costs for students
• Course materials and books

Career Development

• Apprenticeship-related equipment and tools
• Work experience costs
• Careers advice
• Professional training and qualifications

Youth Development Activities

• Scout/Guide camps
• Duke of Edinburgh expeditions
• Training courses (e.g., photography, tractor training)

What They Don't Fund

• Total costs (applicants expected to contribute)
• Already paid expenses (grants only for future costs)
• Medical items or equipment
• Laptop repairs
• External tutoring
• Living costs or general expenses
• General stationery

Ready to write a winning application for James Marshall Foundation Cio?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is governed by a Board of 9 Trustees appointed for their diverse areas of expertise, led by a Chair and Vice Chair. Jonathan Finch serves as Chair of Trustees. The Foundation employs a Foundation Manager, Pauline Whiting, who oversees day-to-day operations and can be contacted at the office number provided.

Leadership Perspective:

Jonathan Finch, Chair of Trustees, on the Foundation's 300th anniversary: “A big thank you to the foresight of the man himself and to all those anonymous people who have been trustees or employees or worked to successfully administer his will over the past three centuries.”

The Trustees meet monthly to consider applications but are often able to respond sooner if there is an urgent need. Full trustee details are available on the Charity Commission's public register.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the Foundation's website (jamesmarshallfoundation.co.uk) or via paper application forms available on request. Applications can be made by:

• The young person themselves
• Parents or guardians
• Schools or educational institutions
• Support workers acting on behalf of eligible young people

Key Application Principles:

• Apply before making any financial commitment
• Multiple grants can be requested in one application
• Separate applications at different times are welcomed
• All information is handled confidentially
• Applications are considered individually on their merits

Decision Timeline

• Standard processing: Within 2 weeks of submission
• Urgent cases: Often faster response when need is urgent
• Trustee meetings: Monthly, but decisions often made between meetings

Supporting Documents Required

To demonstrate financial eligibility, applicants should provide:

• Benefit statements (if receiving means-tested benefits)
• Payslips or P60 (for employed/self-employed families)
• Council Tax bill
• Mortgage or rent statement
• Student finance statement (for higher education students)

Additionally, applicants should provide:

• Details of costs with supporting documentation (quotes, course information, etc.)
• Explanation of how the grant will support educational or career development

Success Rates

The James Marshall Foundation has an exceptional 95% success rate for grant applications. In 2024, the Foundation awarded over 850 grants totaling £200,000. This high success rate reflects the Foundation's commitment to supporting all eligible young people in their catchment area who demonstrate genuine financial need.

Eligibility Requirements

Age: 4-24 years old

Location: Must be resident in one of six parishes:

• Harpenden
• Wheathampstead
• Kimpton
• Redbourn
• Flamstead
• Markyate

Financial Criteria (at least one must apply):

1. Child receiving means-tested Free School Meals
2. Household income primarily from significant means-tested benefits
3. Gross household income less than £50,000 (subject to full financial assessment)

Reapplication Policy

Applicants can apply for more than one grant at different times throughout their educational journey. The Foundation has supported individuals for multiple years (examples include supporting a gymnast for 6 years and a university student throughout 4 years of study). There are no restrictions on reapplication for eligible young people.

Application Success Factors

Foundation-Specific Guidance

The Foundation's Internal Approach:

The Trustees consider each application on its merits, having regard both to the financial circumstances of the applicant and to the nature of the item or activity required for educational or career-related purposes. The Foundation maintains internal guidance to ensure fairness across similar applications.

What Works:

• Apply early: Submit applications before making financial commitments
• Provide cost details: Include quotes, course information, and supporting documentation
• Show educational/career link: Clearly explain how the grant will support development
• Be honest about finances: Provide complete financial documentation
• Explain your contribution: Show what portion of costs you can cover

Examples of Recently Funded Projects:

• Nearly £2,000 of tools for a young man to attend college and become a mechanic
• Multi-year support for three school leavers pursuing careers as engineer, hairdresser, and chef
• 6 years of funding for a national champion gymnast who won two European Junior titles in 2024
• One-week photography course in London for A-level student
• 4 years of university support enabling student to concentrate on studies and graduate with first-class honours
• Laptops enabling students to complete homework and coursework
• Music lessons developing confidence and social skills
• School uniforms helping children “fit in with school friends and not be judged”

Language the Foundation Uses:

• “Change lives by growing potential”
• “Educational and career development purposes”
• “Financially disadvantaged young people”
• “Supporting young people to achieve long-term employment”

What Applicants Say Makes a Difference

Successful applicants emphasize:

• The Foundation's quick response time (often within 2 weeks)
• The ease of the online application process
• The confidential and respectful handling of financial information
• The willingness to support multiple grants over time
• The practical, needs-based approach to assessing applications

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Exceptional accessibility: With a 95% success rate, this is one of the most accessible funders for eligible young people in the catchment area
• Apply proactively: The Foundation emphasizes applying before making financial commitments rather than seeking reimbursement
• Think long-term: Multiple applications over time are welcomed - the Foundation has supported individuals for 4-6 years
• Document costs thoroughly: Provide detailed cost breakdowns with supporting quotes and information to help Trustees assess fairly
• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only young people living in the six specified parishes are eligible - no exceptions
• Financial threshold is flexible: The £50,000 household income is subject to full assessment; provide complete financial picture
• Speed matters: With 2-week turnaround times and monthly trustee meetings, this funder is ideal when time-sensitive needs arise
• Contribution expected: Applicants should demonstrate ability to cover part of costs, even if modest

References

1. James Marshall Foundation official website: www.jamesmarshallfoundation.co.uk
2. UK Charity Commission Register - James Marshall Foundation CIO (Charity Number 1181004): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/5129559
3. “Celebrating 300th anniversary of the James Marshall Foundation,” Harpenden History: https://www.harpenden-history.org.uk/harpenden-history/topics-cms/charities-health-and-welfare/charities/celebrating-300th-anniversary-of-the-james-marshall-foundation
4. “Expansion of James Marshall Foundation,” Mum's Guide to Harpenden, various articles
5. James Marshall Foundation - Apply for Grant page: http://jamesmarshallfoundation.co.uk/apply-for-grant/
6. James Marshall Foundation - Making a Difference (testimonials): http://jamesmarshallfoundation.co.uk/making-a-difference/
7. James Marshall Foundation - About Us: http://jamesmarshallfoundation.co.uk/about/