Perry Foundation

Charity Number: 310885

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £161,596 (2024)
  • Grant Range: £500 - £60,000 (£15,000/year for up to 4 years for PhD studentships)
  • Decision Time: 2-3 months
  • Geographic Focus: UK-wide
  • Established: 1970 (registered 1962)

Contact Details

Email: perry.gbennett@gmail.com

Phone: 07722 332858

Website: www.perryfoundation.co.uk

Address: 16 Sandgate Lane, London, SW18 3JP

Secretary: Gordon Bennett BSc FCA (contact for pre-application queries)

Overview

The Perry Foundation was established in 1970, named after Lord Perry, the first Chairman of British Ford Motor Company. Founded at the Boreham House estate, it originated from the Henry Ford Institute of Agricultural Engineering before becoming an independent charitable foundation. With annual expenditure of approximately £162,000, the foundation has sponsored over 180 research projects across the UK since its inception. The foundation's primary mission is promoting and developing UK agriculture by funding cutting-edge research and postgraduate scholarships at universities and research centres throughout the country. The foundation is governed by 7 trustees with strong agricultural and scientific expertise, and is a member of the AgriFood Charities Partnership (AFCP). The foundation emphasizes supporting specialized studies “of value to the UK industry” with a clear focus on agricultural research that delivers definable benefits to UK agriculture.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

PhD Studentships (Main Program)

  • Amount: Up to £15,000 per year for maximum 4 years (total up to £60,000)
  • Application Method: Annual deadline, typically 31st October for PhDs commencing the following September
  • Payment: Quarterly payments made directly to the university/research institute
  • Requirements: Graduates with first or upper second class honours degree in appropriate subject

Small Awards

  • Amount: Up to £5,000
  • Application Method: Rolling basis via email to Secretary
  • Examples of Recent Funding:
  • £2,000 annually (2022-2024) to LEAF for educational work in West Midlands
  • £1,000 to Essex Schools Food & Farming Day
  • £2,000 to Worshipful Company of Farmers for Rural Leadership Course
  • £500 to Norfolk Spring Fling

Priority Areas

The foundation funds PhD research across all aspects of UK agriculture including:

  • Livestock research (animal health, nutrition, breeding)
  • Crop science (plant pathology, breeding, cultivation techniques)
  • Horticulture
  • Agricultural technology (mechanization, precision agriculture, variable rate application)
  • Soil science (soil health, erosion control, tillage impacts)
  • Plant protection (disease control, targeted herbicide usage, pest management)
  • Sustainability and environmental impacts

Recent funded research topics include:

  • Tackling ticks, nematodes and oilseed rape diseases
  • Cobalt deficiency in sheep
  • Soil filter socks to reduce erosion
  • Variable rate application using 3D imagery in wheat canopies
  • Dietary and genetic regulation of B12 metabolism in sheep
  • Effects of traffic and tillage on soil properties using X-ray computed tomography

What They Don't Fund

  • Projects without clear, definable benefit to UK agriculture
  • Salaried positions (studentships are not compatible with holding salaried posts)
  • Projects outside agricultural/horticultural/food production sectors
  • International students without strong UK agricultural career plans
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (Trustee Directors):

  • Scott John Norris (Chair)
  • Dr Victoria Jane Foster
  • Dr Ken Pallett
  • Dr Ian Frood
  • Professor Bruce David Ledger
  • Professor Graham John Jellis
  • Daniel Parker (practicing veterinarian, appointed December 2025)

Secretary: Gordon Bennett BSc FCA (serving since 2011, also Director of AFCP since 2019)

The trustee board includes highly qualified agricultural scientists and researchers, including Professor Bruce Fitt (Emeritus Professor of Plant Pathology), who is himself a former Perry Foundation student. No trustees receive remuneration, demonstrating commitment to maximizing grant-making capacity.

Notable alumni include Prof. Leon Terry (now Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at Cranfield University) who stated: “Without the support of the Perry Foundation during my PhD I would not have remained in UK agricultural science.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

PhD Studentships:

  1. Submit complete application via email to Gordon Bennett (perry.gbennett@gmail.com)
  2. Deadline: 31st October annually for PhDs commencing following September

Small Awards:

  • Email brief details to Secretary Gordon Bennett at perry.gbennett@gmail.com
  • No formal deadline (rolling basis)

Decision Timeline

PhD Studentships:

  • Application deadline: 31st October
  • Evaluation: Grants Committee reviews applications
  • Shortlist notification: By end of November/early December
  • Interviews: January (for shortlisted candidates - face-to-face interviews with Trustee Directors)
  • Final decision: Within one month of interview
  • Start date: September (following year)

Total timeline: Approximately 2-3 months from submission to decision

Small Awards: Decision timeline not specified (likely faster, rolling basis)

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the foundation funded 11 PhD students in the 2021-2024 period at institutions including University of Nottingham, University of Reading, University of Liverpool, Harper Adams University, University of Glasgow, Lancaster University, University of Hertfordshire, University of Essex, and University of Salford.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policy not stated on website. Unsuccessful applicants should contact the Secretary for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Selection Emphasis: “Great emphasis is placed on the selection of the student and this process will always include face to face interviews carried out by Trustee Directors of the Foundation.”

Key Success Factors:

  1. Clear UK Agricultural Benefit: Applications must demonstrate “definable benefit to UK agriculture.” Be specific about how research will impact the UK agricultural sector - the trustees prioritize practical, industry-relevant outcomes.
  1. Student Quality Over Project Alone: The foundation emphasizes student selection as much as project quality. Your CV, academic achievements (first or upper second class honours), and career intentions in UK agriculture are critical.
  1. Professional Future in UK Agriculture: The foundation expects award recipients' “professional future to be in the UK agricultural/horticultural or food industries.” Demonstrate clear commitment to contributing to UK agriculture post-PhD.
  1. Comprehensive, Well-Planned Proposals: Applications must address all required elements clearly and briefly - purpose, outcomes, methodology, resources, budget, risks, and collaborators. Thoroughness and clarity matter.
  1. Strong Supervisory Arrangements: Include detailed information about your project supervisor and institutional support. The foundation values well-supported students.
  1. Interview Performance: Face-to-face interviews are mandatory for shortlisted candidates. Be prepared to discuss your research confidently and demonstrate passion for agricultural advancement.
  1. Mentorship and Ongoing Engagement: “Trustees appoint a mentor for each successful project.” The foundation maintains active involvement throughout the PhD, requiring annual progress reports and a final research report. Show willingness to engage with this supportive relationship.

Successful Applicant Profile: Recent recipients include students at Russell Group and specialist agricultural universities (Nottingham, Reading, Harper Adams, Glasgow). Projects span livestock health, crop protection, soil science, and precision agriculture technologies.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Be specific about UK agricultural impact: The foundation funds research “of definable benefit to UK agriculture” - vague or tangential benefits will not succeed
  • Quality of student matters as much as project: Strong academic credentials (first or upper second honours) and demonstrated commitment to UK agricultural career are essential
  • Face-to-face interviews are part of the process: Prepare for in-person interviews in January if shortlisted - this is where trustees assess student quality
  • Plan for ongoing engagement: The foundation assigns mentors and requires annual progress reports - this is a supportive, engaged funder
  • Apply early in your planning: October deadline for September start means 11-month lead time - secure provisional university place first
  • Consider small awards for pilot work: If you're early in developing ideas, the small awards program (up to £5,000) may be more appropriate
  • Leverage AFCP network: The foundation participates in AFCP Student Forums - attending these events can provide insight into what the foundation values

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References