Kelsick's Educational Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £411,338
• Annual Expenditure: £408,717
• Grant Range: £125 - £1,000 (individuals)
• Decision Time: Quarterly reviews (3 months max)
• Geographic Focus: Lakes Parish (Ambleside, Rydal, Grasmere, Langdale, part of Troutbeck)

Contact Details

• Website: www.kelsick.org.uk
• Email: clerk@kelsick.org.uk
• Phone: 01539 431289
• Postal Address: The Clerk, Kelsick Centre, St Mary's Lane, Ambleside, LA22 9DG

Overview

Kelsick's Educational Foundation is a historic educational charity established in 1723 that provides grants to young people under 25 years old residing in the Lakes Parish of Cumbria. With an annual income of £411,338 and expenditure of £408,717, the foundation focuses on helping local children and young people achieve their full potential through educational support. The charity places special emphasis on supporting young people with special needs and operates with 12 trustees who oversee quarterly grant distributions. The foundation's mission is to support educational activities across a wide range including sport, performing arts, further education, and higher education.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Development Grants: Up to £200 per category annually

• Sport activities and training
• Performing Arts programs
• Educational support (requires school letter)

Educational Residentials & Trips: 40% of costs, maximum £400 per year

• School trips and residential programs

Further Education (16-18 years):

• Travel Grant: £125 per year
• Apprenticeship Equipment: Maximum £500

Higher Education Support:

• Living Away from Home: £1,000 per year
• Living at Home: £500 per year
• Course Books: Full cost coverage with receipts

Exceptional Awards: Up to £500

• For special circumstances and unique opportunities

Priority Areas

• Educational advancement for young people under 25
• Support for individuals with special needs
• Sport and performing arts development
• Further and higher education access
• Apprenticeship support
• Educational trips and experiences

What They Don't Fund

• Student loans
• Subscriptions or memberships
• Summer camps
• Musical instruments
• Sports equipment
• Computers (except in exceptional circumstances)

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Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates with 12 trustees who meet quarterly to review applications. No trustees receive remuneration for their service. The foundation maintains full compliance with Charity Commission reporting requirements and has been serving the local community since 1723. The trustees emphasize their desire to hear from young people and parents who might benefit from the foundation's support.

How to Apply to Kelsick's Educational Foundation

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted via:

1. Email: clerk@kelsick.org.uk (with all supporting evidence attached)
2. Post: The Clerk, Kelsick Centre, St Mary's Lane, Ambleside, LA22 9DG

Required documentation:

• Completed application form
• Detailed receipts for expenses
• School support letter (for educational grants)
• Evidence of residency in Lakes Parish

Decision Timeline

• Quarterly Reviews: February, May, August, November
• Application Deadline: 24th of the month preceding review month
• Submission Window: Applications must be submitted within 6 months of expense
• Decision Notification: Following quarterly trustee meetings

Success Rates

Not publicly available, though the foundation notes that payments may stop once the annual budget is reached, suggesting high demand for available funds.

Reapplication Policy

Applicants can apply multiple times throughout the year for different categories, subject to annual maximum limits per category. All trustee decisions are confidential and final.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's guidance and requirements:

• Demonstrate Clear Need: The trustees particularly value applications that clearly show how the grant will help achieve educational potential
• Special Needs Priority: The foundation gives “considerable aid” to young people with special needs, so highlighting any special circumstances is important
• Timely Applications: Submit within 6 months of expense and before the 24th of the month preceding quarterly review
• Complete Documentation: Provide all required receipts and supporting evidence with initial application
• Residency Verification: Clearly demonstrate 4+ years residency in the eligible parishes
• Direct Communication: The trustees explicitly state they “would like to hear from young people and from parents who might benefit”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Age and Geography Critical: Strict eligibility criteria - must be under 25 and resident in specific Lakes Parish areas for 4+ years
• Quarterly Deadlines: Plan applications around February, May, August, and November review cycles
• Multiple Grant Categories: Can apply for different types of support throughout the year up to category maximums
• Special Needs Priority: Foundation gives considerable priority to supporting young people with special needs
• Documentation Essential: All applications require detailed receipts and evidence - submit complete applications
• Budget Limitations: Apply early in the financial year as grants may stop once annual budget is exhausted
• Direct Approach Welcomed: Trustees encourage direct contact from potential beneficiaries and their families

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Harris Charity
• The Lytham Schools Foundation
• The David Snowdon Trust
• Lga Foundation
• The Spoore, Merry And Rixman Foundation
• Cumbria Community Foundation
• 3r Foundation
• Consolidated Charity Of Burton Upon Trent
• The Royal Victoria Trust For The Blind
• James Marshall Foundation Cio

References

• Kelsick's Educational Foundation Official Website (www.kelsick.org.uk) -
• Kelsick's Educational Foundation Grants Page (https://kelsick.org.uk/kelsick-grants/) -
• Charity Commission Register Entry for Kelsick's Educational Foundation (Charity Number 526956) -
• Kelsick's Educational Foundation Application Guidelines and Forms - Accessed via official website December 2025