St Olave's & St Saviour's Schools Foundation Cio

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £1,327,092
• Annual Expenditure on Grants: £1,163,726
• Decision Time: Quarterly review meetings
• Grant Range: £500 - £3,000
• Geographic Focus: London Borough of Southwark only
• Age Focus: Young people under 25 years old

Contact Details

Address: Europoint Centre, 5-11 Lavington Street, London SE1 0NZ

Phone: 020 7401 2871

Email:

• General grants: grants@stolavesfoundation.co.uk
• Administration: cathymatthews@stolavesfoundation.co.uk

Website: www.stolavesfoundationfund.org.uk

Overview

St Olave's Foundation Fund was established in 1968 as part of the historic St Olave's & St Saviour's Schools Foundation, which traces its roots back to the Elizabethan era with charters granted in 1562 and 1571. The Fund operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered as charity number 1181857. With an annual income of over £1.3 million, including significant support from The Dulwich Estate (approximately one-third of annual funding) and income from endowment funds, the Foundation focuses exclusively on supporting the education of young people under 25 in the London Borough of Southwark. The Fund provides practical educational support through grants for equipment, courses, and training while also supporting two foundation schools and the choir of Southwark Cathedral.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Student Grants: £500 - £2,000

• Maximum £2,000 per academic year
• Typical grants: £500-£700
• Maximum of 3 grants over 3 years
• May be paid in termly instalments
• Rolling basis with quarterly decision meetings
• Application via online form emailed to grants@stolavesfoundation.co.uk

Organisational Grants: Up to £3,000

• Maximum £3,000 per academic year
• For organisations, groups and schools working with young people in Southwark
• Rolling basis with quarterly decision meetings
• Application via form requiring “ENABLE” before download

Priority Areas

Educational Support:

• Further and higher education
• Vocational courses and apprenticeships
• Arts, music, and dance courses
• Sports training
• Crafts education

Fundable Items and Activities:

• Laptops, printers, and books
• Educational materials and equipment
• Travel expenses related to education
• Musical instruments
• Vocational training costs
• Courses and training programs

Funding Focus: “Educational funding will be given priority” with additional consideration for sports training, music, drama and crafts.

What They Don't Fund

Individual Applications:

• Postgraduate degrees (very rarely considered)
• School or university tuition fees
• Salaries or wages
• Domestic bills
• Childcare costs
• Debt payments
• Retrospective purchases (items already bought)

Important Eligibility Restrictions:

• Applicants must be under 25 years old
• Must currently reside in London Borough of Southwark
• Funding focused on those experiencing financial hardship

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Governance and Leadership

Fund Committee

Chair: The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn

Committee Members:

• Cllr R Bentley
• Mrs J Bygrave
• Revd Canon Roxanne Eversley
• Ms C Muldermans
• Ms M Nandi
• Mr I Rankine
• Mr J Rothwell

Staff

Chief Executive: Mr Russell Walters

Administration Manager: Mrs Cathy Matthews

The Foundation operates with 2 employees and 4 volunteers. No trustees receive remuneration or payments. The charity maintains a strong governance structure with 14 trustees overseeing the broader Foundation.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Individuals:

1. Email completed form to grants@stolavesfoundation.co.uk

For Organisations:

1. Read guidance notes and application requirements
2. Download application form
3. Important: “ENABLE” the form before downloading
4. Answer all eligibility questions
5. Save completed form
6. Email to grants@stolavesfoundation.co.uk with supporting documents

Contact for Questions: 020 7401 2871

Decision Timeline

• Applications considered four times per year at quarterly trustee meetings
• Check website for specific quarterly deadlines
• Applicants notified of decisions after each meeting
• Grants may be paid in termly instalments for individuals

Success Rates

Success rate data not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

For Individuals:

• May receive maximum of 3 grants over 3 years
• Maximum £2,000 per academic year
• Can reapply in subsequent years if still eligible

For Organisations:

• Maximum £3,000 per academic year
• Annual reapplication permitted

Application Success Factors

Demonstrating Need

Applications should clearly demonstrate financial hardship and show evidence of having explored other funding sources. Applicants must provide proof of attempts to secure funding elsewhere.

Educational Benefit

The Fund prioritizes educational outcomes. Applications must clearly articulate:

• How the grant will support educational goals
• The specific educational placement or program
• Direct connection between requested items/support and learning

Specific Examples of Funded Projects

Past grants have supported:

• Laptops, printers, and books for students
• Musical instruments for music students
• Vocational training expenses
• Pastoral and inclusion team services for students overcoming challenges including bereavement and homelessness
• Outreach to local primary schools

Evidence and Documentation

Strong applications include:

• Personal statements that clearly connect the request to educational advancement
• References that support the application
• Proof of educational placement
• Documentation of financial circumstances
• Evidence of seeking other funding sources

What Not to Do

• Request funding for items already purchased (no retrospective funding)
• Apply for postgraduate courses (very rarely considered)
• Seek funding for items on the exclusions list
• For organisations: Forget to “ENABLE” the form before downloading

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only young people under 25 currently residing in Southwark are eligible. This is non-negotiable.

• Education first: While arts, sports, and crafts are considered, the Fund states “educational funding will be given priority.” Frame requests in terms of educational benefit.

• Modest amounts work best: Typical grants are £500-£700 for individuals. Requesting amounts within this range may have better success than requesting the maximum £2,000.

• Build a relationship over time: Individuals can receive up to 3 grants over 3 years, suggesting the Fund values supporting young people throughout their educational journey.

• Financial hardship matters: Applications should demonstrate genuine financial need and show evidence of exploring other funding options first.

• Quarterly cycle means planning ahead: With only four decision points per year, timing applications well in advance of when funds are needed is essential.

• For organisations, technical details matter: The specific instruction to “ENABLE” the form before downloading suggests attention to application instructions is important.

References

• St Olave's Foundation Fund official website: https://www.stolavesfoundationfund.org.uk/
• Charity Commission Register: ST OLAVE'S & ST SAVIOUR'S SCHOOLS FOUNDATION CIO, charity number 1181857: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5129865
• St Olave's Foundation Fund - Grants to Individuals: https://www.stolavesfoundationfund.org.uk/individuals/
• St Olave's Foundation Fund - Grants to Organisations: https://www.stolavesfoundationfund.org.uk/organisations/how-to-apply.html
• St Olave's Foundation Fund - Committee Members: https://www.stolavesfoundationfund.org.uk/about.html
• The Dulwich Estate - St Saviour's and St Olave's Schools Foundation: https://www.thedulwichestate.org.uk/about-us/who-we-support/st-saviour-s-and-st-olave-s-schools-foundation