Rand's Educational Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £176,323 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Variable (individuals: rolling basis; organizations: reviewed after January deadline)
• Grant Range: £25 - £630 per individual student annually; hundreds to thousands for organizations
• Geographic Focus: Four parishes only: Ickleford, Holwell, Pirton, and Stondon (Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire)

Contact Details

• Website: www.rands.org.uk
• Email: randsclerk@gmail.com
• Phone: 07817 104734
• Address: Suite 7, Regal Chambers, 49-51 Bancroft, Hitchin, Hertfordshire

Overview

Rand's Educational Foundation was established through the will of John Rand, who died in 1706, making it one of England's historic charitable trusts. Now governed by a modern charitable trust deed, the foundation has adapted to serve contemporary educational needs while maintaining its geographic focus. With annual expenditure of £176,323 (2024) and income of £187,494, the foundation derives its resources from a portfolio of residential and commercial rental properties plus investment funds. The charity serves young people under 25 in four specific parishes: Ickleford, Holwell, Pirton (all Hertfordshire), and Stondon (Bedfordshire). The foundation is overseen by 9 trustees, including representatives from the four parish councils, who serve without remuneration. The foundation takes a comprehensive approach to educational support, funding not just academic study but also recreational activities, youth groups, and individual excellence in fields such as music, dance, arts, and sport.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Schools and Pre-schools (Annual fixed grants, rolling basis)

• Pre-schools: Fixed annual award
• Primary/lower schools: £25 per child per annum
• Currently supports: Pirton Pre-school, Stondon Stompers, Ickleford School, Pirton School, Stondon Lower School

Further Education (Rolling applications from August, £140 per year)

• Sixth form and further education college students
• £140 per student per academic year
• Maximum 3 years per student
• Application method: Annual application required; rolling basis from August

Higher Education (Rolling applications from August, £630 per year)

• University and higher education college students
• £630 per academic year
• Separate application required annually for each course year
• Application method: Online form available; rolling basis from August

Voluntary Organizations (Fixed deadline: early January)

• Variable amounts: hundreds to thousands of pounds
• Expected: matched funding from organization and demonstrable link to youth development
• Application method: Fixed deadline in early January

Individual Excellence Awards (Rolling basis)

• Speculative applications welcomed for excellence in music, dance, creative arts, sport, or recreation
• Includes support for World Challenge expeditions and similar developmental opportunities
• Variable amounts depending on project

Priority Areas

• Educational resources and equipment for students in formal education (books, materials, technology)
• Educational visits and trips that enhance learning
• Youth development through sport and recreation
• Cultural and creative activities (music, dance, arts)
• Outdoor education and character-building expeditions (e.g., World Challenge, Nepal trips, Morocco expeditions)
• Youth organizations and clubs (scouts, guides, youth clubs, sports teams)
• Infrastructure for youth activities (equipment, facilities maintenance, play areas)

What They Don't Fund

• Young people over age 25
• Young people residing outside the four designated parishes (Ickleford, Holwell, Pirton, Stondon)
• Projects or individuals without a robust link to youth development (for organizational grants)
• Applications without proof of residence (Council Tax bill required for individuals)

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Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by 9 trustees who serve without any remuneration, payments, or benefits. The board includes both nominated trustees (including representatives from Holwell, Ickleford, Pirton, and Stondon Parish Councils) and co-opted trustees.

Current Chair: Philip John Hurworth (appointed May 2017)

Other Trustees: Philip James Crowe (appointed June 2023), Penelope Lazenby, Nicholas Leonard Rowe, John William Barker, John Hayes, James Carlyle, Colin Richard Thurstance, and Claire Strong

The foundation operates through an Asset Management Committee that monitors financial, operational, and ethical objectives. The governing document is the Scheme of 8 August 1986 as amended by schemes dated 13 April 2006, 28 July 2020, and 29 June 2021.

The trustees' approach is to match annual grant distribution with investment returns while maintaining reserves to meet future demands as the local population grows.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Individual Students (Further and Higher Education)

• Applications accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis
• Formal application window opens in August for the ensuing academic year
• Quick and simple online application forms available on the website
• Proof of residence required: valid Council Tax bill showing permanent home address in one of the four parishes on 1st September of the academic year
• Separate application required annually for each year of study
• Applications available at: rands.org.uk/applications/

Voluntary Organizations

• Applications should be submitted at the beginning of January
• Organizations must demonstrate: (1) element of matched funding, and (2) demonstrable and robust link to the development of young people
• Typical uses: materials, equipment, projects, activities, or trips

Schools and Pre-schools

• Grants are provided automatically to schools within the catchment area
• No application process for the per-child annual grants

Decision Timeline

The foundation does not publish specific decision timelines. However:

• Individual student applications are processed on a rolling basis throughout the year
• Organizational applications submitted in January are reviewed by trustees and decisions communicated thereafter
• Given the small geographic area and active trustee involvement, the review process appears to be relatively efficient

Success Rates

The foundation does not publish acceptance rates or application statistics. Given the narrow geographic eligibility (four small parishes), the pool of eligible applicants is naturally limited. The foundation's 2024 expenditure of £176,323 suggests substantial support relative to the catchment population.

In 2024, the foundation awarded £17,710 to pre-schools and schools and £9,233.93 to voluntary organizations, in addition to individual student grants.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applications. However, important notes:

• Individual students must apply annually for each year of study
• Further education grants are limited to a maximum of 3 years per student
• “Following initial or earlier grants to an individual does not guarantee subsequent year(s) grants or the amount awarded”

Application Success Factors

Geographic Eligibility is Absolute

Applicants must reside in Ickleford, Holwell, Pirton, or Stondon with proof via Council Tax bill. This is non-negotiable and the single most important eligibility criterion.

For Individual Students

• The foundation emphasizes making applications “quick and simple,” suggesting straightforward criteria
• Grants are described as available to “all young people” meeting eligibility requirements, suggesting high acceptance rates for eligible applicants
• The foundation values supporting diverse educational pathways: sixth form, further education, apprenticeships, and university

For Voluntary Organizations

• Demonstrate matched funding: “We normally expect some element of matched funding from the organisation”
• Show “demonstrable and robust link to the development of young people”
• Past successful applicants include: Pirton Colts Cricket Club, Ickleford Cricket Club, Ickleford Squash Club, Pirton and Holwell Beavers, Pirton Youth Club, St. Katharines Church Choir, Stondon Scout Group
• Projects funded include: play equipment, sports equipment, sheet music, arts and crafts supplies, sports facilities maintenance, youth club equipment, camping equipment, fire pits, mud kitchens, PlayStation games, outdoor equipment

For Individual Excellence Awards

• The foundation “welcomes speculative applications from individuals who are committed to excellence in their chosen field”
• Recent examples include World Challenge expeditions to Morocco and Nepal
• These awards recognize diverse forms of excellence: music, dance, creative arts, sport, or recreation

Language from Foundation

The foundation describes itself as providing “a little extra help whilst studying,” suggesting they see their role as supplementary support rather than comprehensive funding. Applicants should frame requests accordingly.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only young people under 25 with permanent residence in Ickleford, Holwell, Pirton, or Stondon are eligible. Verify this before investing time in an application.
• Rolling basis for individuals is applicant-friendly: Students can apply anytime from August onward, providing flexibility and suggesting the foundation prioritizes accessibility over administrative convenience.
• Organizations need matched funding: The foundation expects organizational applicants to demonstrate co-investment and a clear link to youth development—pure funding requests without matched resources likely face rejection.
• Broad definition of educational support: The foundation funds not just academics but also sport, recreation, expeditions, and cultural activities—think expansively about what constitutes educational development.
• Historic trust with modern relevance: With over 300 years of history, the foundation has adapted to contemporary needs while maintaining geographic focus—applications should respect this heritage while demonstrating current educational value.
• Small-scale, local impact: With only four parishes served, this is a hyper-local funder. Applications should emphasize community connection and local benefit.
• Annual reapplication required: Individual students must apply each year, and past grants don't guarantee future support—maintain relationship and demonstrate ongoing need and progress.

References

• Rand's Educational Foundation Official Website -
• Rand's Educational Foundation - About Us -
• Rand's Educational Foundation - Awards and Grants -
• Rand's Educational Foundation - Applications -
• Rand's Educational Foundation - Higher Education Support -
• Rand's Educational Foundation - Testimonials -
• Charity Commission Register - Rand's Educational Foundation (311022) -
• Stondon Parish Council - Rands Educational Foundation -
• Holwell Parish Council - Rands Educational Foundation -
• Rand's Educational Foundation - 2024 Grants Announcement -
• Rand's Educational Foundation - Annual Reports -