Magdalen And Lasher Educational Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~£243,000 (expenditure 2023/24)
• Grant Range: £500 - £5,000+ (schools grants); up to £1,500 (student bursaries)
• Geographic Focus: Borough of Hastings, East Sussex
• Decision Time: Applications typically processed May-September
• Application Method: Mixed - annual invitation for schools, rolling for individuals

Contact Details

• Website: magdalenandlasher.co.uk
• Email: mlc@oldhastingshouse.co.uk
• Phone: 01424 452646
• Address: Unit 27, Innovation Centre, Highfield Drive, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN38 9UH

Overview

The Magdalen and Lasher Educational Foundation was established in 1906 as an adjunct to the already established Magdalen and Lasher Charity, which dates back to the 13th century. The Foundation provides various means of educational financial assistance to persons under the age of 25 who are residents of the Borough of Hastings or who have attended schools in the Borough for more than two years.

With annual income of approximately £274,000 and expenditure of £243,000 (2023/24), the Foundation has awarded over £1.3 million through its Major and Minor Grants scheme since 2009. In 2022, the Foundation absorbed the William Parker Foundation, which maintains discrete funds specifically for ARK Alexandra Academy grants. Additionally, the Batley Hibbert Fund (established through bequests in 2010) provides approximately £15,000 per annum for musical education in Hastings.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

School Grants (Annual Invitation)

• Major Grants: £5,000+ for significant educational projects
• Minor Grants: Up to £5,000 for smaller projects and activities
• Since 2009: 5 Major Grants awarded (£45,600 total) and 17 Minor Grants (£58,349.79 total)

Student Bursaries

• Up to £1,500 per student for undergraduate university places
• Paid in three £500 instalments across years one, two, and three
• Four-year degree students receive final payment in year four
• Application deadline: End of April for that academic year

Individual Education Grants

• For further education and vocational courses
• Course must start at least one month after application
• Post-graduate and additional first degree students may qualify

Batley Hibbert Fund (Musical Education)

• Approximately £15,000 per annum
• Available to individuals and associations in Hastings
• Supports the practice and development of music
• “Musical” interpreted broadly by trustees

William Parker Foundation Fund

• Ring-fenced specifically for ARK Alexandra Academy grants

Priority Areas

• Education and training for young people under 25
• Higher education support and university bursaries
• Professional preparation assistance
• Arts and music study support
• Educational projects benefiting Hastings students

What They Don't Fund

The Educational Foundation focuses exclusively on:

• Residents of the Borough of Hastings
• Those who have attended Hastings schools for 2+ years
• Persons under 25 years of age

Note: The related Magdalen and Lasher Charity (separate entity) explicitly does not fund: debt/loan repayment, legal fees, funeral expenses (except attendance costs), or vehicle purchases.

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Governance and Leadership

Chair: Clive Scott Galbraith (appointed 26 July 2013)

Trustees (14 total):

• Andrew Brian Pope (appointed 01 June 2025)
• Rev Mathew Jamie David Phipps (appointed 11 September 2023)
• Dr Patricia Lock (appointed 01 April 2023)
• Judith Ann Rogers (appointed 01 June 2022)
• Ian Gallagher (appointed 01 June 2022)
• Mark Andrew Boles (appointed 13 January 2022)
• John Henry Bilsby (appointed 16 January 2020)
• Cllr James Bacon (appointed 14 July 2016)
• Ann Wing (appointed 13 September 2013)
• Ian Michael Steel
• Keith Stuart Donaldson
• Michael Jabez Foster
• Susan Mary Phillips

No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Student Bursaries

1. Applications due by end of April for that academic year
2. Apply through ARK Alexandra, Bexhill College, or individually
3. Require 6th form tutor or UCAS reference
4. Must have an undergraduate university place

Individual Education Grants

1. Course must start at least one month after application

School Grants

• Annual invitations sent to all state schools in Hastings
• Applications for major (£5,000+) or minor (up to £5,000) grants
• For projects and activities providing educational benefit to students

Decision Timeline

• Applications typically processed May-September
• Budget-limited: “Applications received after that may have to be refused if the budget has been spent”

Eligibility Requirements

Financial Requirements

• Grants typically awarded to families earning below the median UK household income (currently £35,000)
• Qualification for free school meals satisfies this requirement

Residency Requirements

• Must be resident in the Borough of Hastings, OR
• Have attended schools in the Borough for more than 2 years

Application Success Factors

Specific Criteria from the Foundation:

• Financial need is assessed - families earning below median UK income (£35,000) or qualifying for free school meals are prioritised
• Each application is viewed on its individual merits
• Trustees work from an annual budget based on investment income, limiting grants that can be awarded each year
• Early applications are advisable as budget may be exhausted by September

For School Applications:

• Projects should provide clear educational benefit to students
• Both major and minor grants available depending on project scope
• 15+ years of the scheme demonstrates ongoing commitment to supporting local schools

For Music Education (Batley Hibbert Fund):

• The term “musical” is interpreted broadly by trustees
• Both individuals and associations may apply
• Must further the practice and development of music in Hastings

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Apply Early: Budget is limited and may be exhausted by September - submit applications as early as possible in the May-September window
• Demonstrate Hastings Connection: Applicants must have lived in the Borough for 2+ years OR attended Hastings schools for 2+ years - document this clearly
• Evidence Financial Need: For bursaries, show household income below £35,000 or free school meals eligibility
• Bursary Deadline is Fixed: Student bursaries must be submitted by end of April - no flexibility
• Music Funding Available: The Batley Hibbert Fund offers approximately £15,000 annually for musical education - an underutilised opportunity
• Schools Should Request Annual Invitation: State schools in Hastings should ensure they are on the mailing list for annual grant invitations
• Include Required References: Bursary applications require 6th form tutor or UCAS references - gather these early

References

• Magdalen & Lasher Educational Foundation Website - Primary source for grant programs, eligibility, and application details
• Magdalen & Lasher Charity Grants Page - Information on grants and sponsorship requirements
• Charity Commission Register - Charity 306969 - Official financial data and trustee information
• Charity Commission Full Print - 306969 - Five-year financial history
• Charity Commission Trustees Page - 306969 - Complete trustee listing
• Hastings Old Town Parish - Magdalen and Lasher - Historical context
• Sussex Express - Jack in the Green Grant - Recent grant example (2025)

Information