Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £2,832,535 (total charitable activities expenditure 2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by programme (e.g., Norfolk Scholars selection in August-September)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £9,250+ (depending on programme)
• Geographic Focus: Norfolk (primarily), with some national/international study opportunities

Contact Details

Website: www.rnaa.org.uk

Email: info@rnaa.org.uk

Phone: 01603 748931

YIELD Network (young professionals): yield@rnaa.org.uk or 01603 731965

Overview

Founded in 1847 with just £300, the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association is now a leading agricultural charity registered as number 289581. With annual income of £3,036,413 and charitable expenditure of £2,832,535 (2023), the RNAA's mission is to promote and support food production, farming, and the countryside in Norfolk. The organisation operates primarily through its flagship Royal Norfolk Show, attracting around 80,000 visitors annually, and its Opportunities Fund, which provides scholarships, bursaries, and grants to develop the next generation of agricultural leaders. Patron HM King Charles III oversees the organisation, which is supported by 350 volunteers, 19 employees, and 9 trustees who serve without remuneration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The RNAA Opportunities Fund provides support to individuals living and/or working in Norfolk in agriculture or supporting sectors through three main channels:

1. Scholarship Programmes

• Norfolk Scholars (Oxford Farming Conference): Full funding for 6 young people annually (ages 18-35) to attend the UK's premier farming conference, including tickets, accommodation, and travel support. Selection occurs August-September.
• Nuffield Farming Scholarship: Annual support for one outstanding leader to undertake international research (minimum 7-week study tour abroad). Standard Nuffield bursary is £8,500 towards study tour and subsistence, plus professional development including conference tickets and flights.
• Norfolk Commonwealth Scholars: Biennial support for 2 delegates to attend Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth conference.
• Norfolk International Scholarship: 3-month international study opportunity in partnership with Norwich Institute for Sustainable Development.
• John Innes Foundation Undergraduate Bursary: Full tuition fee coverage (£9,250 per annum) for 3-4 year BSc (Hons) degrees in Agriculture, Crop Production, or Environmental Science. Administered by RNAA, selected by Food and Farming Discovery Trust.

2. Grants for Continuing Professional Development

• Training and qualification support (rolling basis)
• Conference attendance bursaries (e.g., Agri-TechE REAP Conference)
• Skills development funding
• Environmental Award: £1,000 cash prize plus two Royal Norfolk Show tickets

3. Organizational Grants

• Support for organisations working with young people's development in agriculture
• Norfolk Young Farmers' Clubs support
• Application details not publicly specified; contact required

Priority Areas

• Students of agriculture and allied subjects
• Young professionals (particularly 20-50 age group through YIELD Network)
• Skills acquisition and professional development
• Business development and innovation in agriculture
• Next generation farming leaders
• Agricultural education and career pathways

What They Don't Fund

Information not explicitly stated in public materials. Given focus on Norfolk-based agricultural development, likely excludes:

• Projects outside Norfolk (for most programmes)
• Non-agricultural sectors
• Established professionals not seeking development opportunities

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Governance and Leadership

Patron: HM King Charles III

President: Poul Hovesen

Chairman: Robert Alston

Managing Director: Mark Nicholas MBE DL

Board of Trustees:

• Simon Hickling MVO (Vice-Chairman)
• Laurie Hill ACA (Finance Director)
• Luke Lockhart (Chairman – Show Committee)
• Dr Jonathan Clarke
• Emily Norton
• Dr Catherine Richards
• Andrew Spinks

The Association is governed by a Board of Trustees who volunteer their time and expertise, with the Managing Director responsible for day-to-day operations and strategy implementation. A Commercial Board provides oversight of trading subsidiaries.

Key Quote: “Throughout the year we provide charitable grant funding, bursaries and scholarships for successful applicants to undertake exciting learning and development opportunities.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Norfolk Scholars (Oxford Farming Conference):

• Applications open annually
• Selection process: August-September
• Must be aged 18-35, involved in agricultural industry, live/work/study in Norfolk
• Cannot have previously attended Oxford Farming Conference

John Innes Foundation Undergraduate Bursary:

• Written application followed by interview
• Closing date typically early October (2025: Friday 3rd October)
• Eligibility: UK nationals with financial need, enrolled on full-time, three-year BSc (Hons) in Agriculture, Crop Production, or Environmental Science
• Must intend to pursue UK agricultural career post-graduation
• May be extended to second/third year students where family circumstances change

General Opportunities Fund:

• Contact RNAA directly at info@rnaa.org.uk or 01603 748931
• Rolling applications for CPD grants and training support

Decision Timeline

Varies by programme:

• Norfolk Scholars: Selection August-September for January conference
• JIF Undergraduate Bursary: Decision made after October deadline and interviews
• Other opportunities: Timelines not publicly specified

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The RNAA selects 6 Norfolk Scholars annually and 1 Nuffield Scholar, indicating competitive selection for flagship programmes.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated in public materials. Given the educational focus and age requirements, unsuccessful applicants can likely reapply in subsequent years if still eligible.

Application Success Factors

Key Success Indicators:

• Norfolk Connection: Strong emphasis on living and/or working in Norfolk in agriculture or supporting sectors
• Career Commitment: Demonstrated intention to pursue agricultural career in the UK
• Financial Need: For bursary programmes, genuine need for financial assistance
• Age and Stage: Many programmes target emerging professionals (18-35) and students
• Professional Development Focus: Clear articulation of how funding will support skills acquisition and career development

Strategic Alignment:

The RNAA's stated objectives emphasise “raising aspirations and enabling potential to be developed” with focus on “helping people entering the industry” and “encouraging business development and innovation.”

Examples of Support:

• Environmental Award winners receive support for training and professional development
• Royal Norfolk Show Student Ambassadors programme for sixth formers/college students
• YIELD Network membership (285+ members) provides professional networking for 20-50 age group

Application Tips:

• Clearly demonstrate Norfolk connection and commitment to agricultural sector
• Show how funding will contribute to professional development and future leadership
• For bursaries, be transparent about financial circumstances
• Align application with RNAA's mission of supporting food production, farming, and countryside
• Consider engaging with RNAA events (Royal Norfolk Show, YIELD Network) to understand organisational culture

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Focus: Norfolk connection essential for most programmes; organisational grants may have different criteria
• Individual Focus: Primary emphasis on supporting individuals through education and professional development rather than large-scale project grants
• Age Demographic: Strong focus on emerging professionals and students; YIELD Network membership available to ages 20-50
• Long-term Investment: Preference for supporting career development and leadership potential over short-term projects
• Relationship Building: With 285+ YIELD Network members and regular events, networking opportunities exist to understand organisational priorities
• Partnership Approach: Works with partners like John Innes Foundation, Oxford Farming Conference, Nuffield Farming, demonstrating collaborative mindset
• Accessibility: Free YIELD Network membership and direct contact approach suggests accessible, relationship-focused organisation

References

• Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association official website: https://rnaa.org.uk/
• RNAA Opportunities Fund: https://rnaa.org.uk/opportunities-fund/
• RNAA Who We Are: https://rnaa.org.uk/who-we-are/
• Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 289581: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=289581 - Financial data for year ending 31 December 2023
• RNAA John Innes Foundation Undergraduate Bursary: https://www.rnaa.org.uk/jif-undergraduate-bursary/
• RNAA Scholarships news: https://www.rnaa.org.uk/rnaa-scholarships-aim-to-boost-norfolk-farming-careers/
• Nuffield Farming Scholarships: https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/
• Oxford Farming Conference Bursaries: https://www.ofc.org.uk/bursaries-and-scholarships
• RNAA YIELD Network: https://www.rnaa.org.uk/about-us/the-yield-network/
• RNAA Trustees and Council: https://www.rnaa.org.uk/trustees-and-council/