The Beaverbrook Foundation

Charity Number: 1153470

Annual Expenditure: £0.6M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £570,763 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: Up to £5,000 (typically); occasionally up to £50,000
  • Geographic Focus: United Kingdom (with some Canadian interests)
  • Current Status: NOT ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS (funds fully committed)

Contact Details

Address: 19 Crown Passage, London, SW1Y 6PP

Website: http://www.beaverbrookfoundation.org/

Email: jane@beaverbrookfoundation.org

Phone: 020 7042 9435 / 020 3325 3987

Overview

The Beaverbrook Foundation was established in 1954 by the first Lord Beaverbrook, a prominent 20th-century British political figure who owned the Daily Express newspaper group and served in the War Cabinet during both World Wars. Initially comprising the First and Second Beaverbrook Foundations, the two were merged in 1974, and the current entity was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2013 (Charity Number: 1153470). With annual expenditure of approximately £570,763, the Foundation has supported over 1,000 different charitable organizations throughout its 70-year history. The Foundation's mission reflects Lord Beaverbrook's personal interests, focusing on heritage preservation, education, the Christian faith, healthcare for the elderly and infirm, and the arts. The Foundation also maintains important collections of art, political cartoons, and political papers for future generations. As of its most recent update, the Foundation has fully committed its available funds and is not accepting new applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants Programme: Up to £5,000 (most common)

  • Rolling basis application (when funds available)
  • Focus on small charities where modest donations make significant impact
  • Suitable for capital expenditure, running costs, and special projects

Larger Strategic Grants: Up to £50,000 (occasionally)

  • Available for significant projects aligned with Foundation priorities
  • Several grants at this level awarded in previous financial years

Priority Areas

The Foundation supports UK registered charities in the following areas:

  • Healthcare & Social Care: Relief of sickness and support for those in poor health and old age; care of the aged or infirm
  • Education: Scholarships, maintenance allowances, and educational grants
  • Christian Faith: Advancement of Christian faith for public benefit; erection or improvement of church buildings
  • Heritage & Conservation: Maintenance of heritage property; preservation of historic buildings
  • Arts & Culture: Purchase of books, papers, manuscripts, or works of art
  • Public Education: Advancing public education regarding the first Lord Beaverbrook

The Foundation has a particular emphasis on smaller charitable projects, recognizing that “it is often the small donations to the small charities that make a big difference.”

What They Don't Fund

  • Expenditure already incurred or committed (grants are forward-looking only)
  • Organizations that are not UK registered charities
  • The Foundation promotes match funding and may make payments conditional upon applicants obtaining remaining funding from other sources

Examples of Supported Organizations

The Foundation has supported organizations including:

  • RAF Museum
  • English National Ballet
  • London's Air Ambulance
  • Oakhaven Hospice
  • Battle of Britain Memorial Trust
  • National Motor Museum
  • Numerous church restoration projects
  • Heritage building preservation initiatives
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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The Foundation is governed by seven trustees, all members of the Beaverbrook family:

  • Lord Beaverbrook (Chair, appointed April 2013)
  • Lady Beaverbrook (appointed April 2013)
  • The Hon Charlotte Aitken (appointed July 2019)
  • Rory Aitken (appointed August 2014)
  • John Edward Aitken Kidd (appointed April 2013)
  • The Honourable Laura Levi (appointed April 2013)
  • Max Aitken (appointed April 2013)

None of the trustees receive remuneration or benefits from the charity. The Foundation employs one staff member (earning £90,000-£100,000 annually) who manages the day-to-day operations and grant-making processes.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: The Foundation is currently NOT accepting new applications. Their funds are fully committed.

When applications are accepted (historically):

  • Online application form available via the Foundation's website (beaverbrookfoundation.org/grants/)
  • Rolling basis - no fixed deadlines
  • Applications can be submitted at any time when the Foundation is open to applications

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The Foundation reviews applications on a rolling basis when accepting submissions.

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly available. With over 1,000 charities supported over 60 years, the Foundation has a substantial track record, though the competitive nature of the application process is not quantified.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Interested organizations should contact the Foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's stated priorities and approach:

Key Alignment Factors

  1. Reflect Lord Beaverbrook's Interests: Projects that align with areas Lord Beaverbrook was passionate about (heritage, education, Christian faith, supporting the elderly and infirm) appear to be favored.
  1. Small Charity, Big Impact: The Foundation explicitly states that “it is often the small donations to the small charities that make a big difference.” Smaller organizations seeking modest grants that will have significant impact are particularly well-positioned.
  1. Match Funding: The Foundation promotes match funding and may make grants conditional upon securing additional funding from other sources. Demonstrating other financial support or fundraising efforts strengthens applications.
  1. Capital Projects for Heritage: Church building improvements, heritage property maintenance, and similar capital projects have historically received support.
  1. Forward-Looking Projects: The Foundation will not fund expenditure already incurred or committed. Applications must be for future projects and expenses.
  1. Clear Charitable Purpose: Projects must align with the Foundation's five core charitable purposes: relieving sickness/supporting health; promoting education; advancing education about Lord Beaverbrook; advancing Christian faith; or furthering other charitable purposes.

Strategic Considerations

  • While most grants are under £5,000, the Foundation has awarded grants up to £50,000 for significant projects, suggesting that well-justified larger requests may be considered for exceptional projects
  • The Foundation's history with arts and culture (maintaining collections of art and political materials) suggests arts organizations may find receptive consideration
  • The Foundation's 70-year track record and family governance structure suggests stability and long-term commitment to grant-making

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Current Closure: The Foundation is not currently accepting applications due to fully committed funds. Monitor their website and contact them directly to learn when applications may reopen.
  1. Heritage & Faith Focus: Projects involving church buildings, heritage properties, and Christian faith initiatives align strongly with the Foundation's historical priorities and Lord Beaverbrook's legacy.
  1. Small is Beautiful: Emphasize how a modest grant will make a significant difference to your small charity rather than positioning it as a small portion of a large budget.
  1. Match Funding Matters: Demonstrate other funding sources or fundraising commitments to show the Foundation's grant will be part of a sustainable funding package.
  1. Forward Planning: Only request funding for future expenses; never for costs already incurred or committed.
  1. Registered Charities Only: Ensure your organization is a registered UK charity before applying.
  1. Family Foundation Values: The Beaverbrook family's continued governance suggests traditional values and respect for the founder's legacy are important. Frame applications in terms of how they honor Lord Beaverbrook's vision and interests.

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