The British Omani Society

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £456,943 (income 2023-24)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Quarterly board meetings (approximately 3 months)
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed - varies by program
• Geographic Focus: UK and Oman

Contact Details

Address: 34 Sackville Street, London

Website: www.britishomani.org

Email: manager@britishomani.org

Phone: 0203 141 1763

Charity Number: 1127561

Company Number: 06708685

Overview

The British Omani Society was established in January 1976 as The Anglo-Omani Society, founded under the patronage of HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said. The organization now operates under the patronage of HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. With an annual income of £456,943 (year ending 31 March 2024), the Society's primary activity is grant-making to advance educational and cultural understanding between the UK and Oman. The charity provides bursaries, scholarships, awards, and financial and logistical support to individuals and organizations seeking to develop knowledge about Oman's culture, history, and society among British nationals, and conversely, to educate Omani nationals about the United Kingdom. The organization is overseen by 13 trustees and operates from its London headquarters while maintaining active programs in both the UK and Oman.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. General Grant Programme (rolling/quarterly assessment)

• Open to individuals and organizations
• Grants for projects promoting British-Omani friendship and educational exchange
• Applications assessed at quarterly board meetings
• Funding amounts not publicly disclosed - varies by project

2. Arabic Language Scheme (annual - June to August)

• 10 full scholarships annually for intensive Arabic study in Oman
• Held at Sultan Qaboos College for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers
• Covers full board at student hostel and 5 hours daily tuition
• Duration: 7-8 weeks during summer months
• Requires mid-advanced level Arabic proficiency
• British nationals only

3. Mansion House Bursaries (annual)

• Supports Omani students pursuing Master's degrees in the UK
• Focus on subjects connected to the City of London (financial services, law)
• Candidates selected by Cultural Office of Omani Embassy from shortlist

4. Student Volunteers Oman Scheme

• Provides opportunities for British students to live and work in Oman
• Includes financial and logistical support

5. Project-Specific Grants

• London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) participation grants for Omani students
• Student Council grants for National Day celebrations
• International Training Programme (ITP) support for museum practices and professional development

Priority Areas

The Society funds projects that:

• Promote British-Omani friendship and cultural understanding
• Involve both British and Omani participants
• Provide lasting formal training or skills development
• Benefit people beyond the immediate applicants
• Align with Oman's 2040 Vision priorities
• Reach audiences beyond existing Society members
• Contribute primary research or represent significant breakthroughs in their field
• Support educational exchange in: history, geography, economy, literature, art, music, heritage, languages, cultures, religions, beliefs, customs, industry, and commerce

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the grant criteria suggest they do not fund:

• Projects without a clear British-Omani connection
• Activities that benefit only the applicant without wider impact
• Projects that don't align with the Society's educational objectives
• Applicants who cannot demonstrate other funding sources or own resource contributions

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Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Major General (Retd) Richard Stanford CB MBE - Chairman

Chris Breeze - Vice Chair

Clive Curtis - Company Secretary

Martyn Bishop - Trustee & Honorary Treasurer

Rosa Braune - Director

Board of Trustees (13 total)

• Oliver Blake (New Generation Group Chair, UK)
• Sheikh Ma'an Hamad Al-Rawahi (New Generation Group Chair, Oman)
• Elisabeth Simpson
• Debbie Martin
• Scott Dickson
• Jamie Bowden CMG OBE MVO
• Colonel (Retd) Gordon Allen QGM WKhM(G)
• Riyad Daud
• Sarika Breeze

Vice Presidents

• Elisabeth Kendall
• Brig John McKeown CBE
• Stuart Laing
• Sir Terence Clark KBE CMG CVO
• Robert Alston CMG QSO DL
• HE Hussain Mohammed Ali

Patron

HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik

President

The Omani Ambassador to London

The Society's leadership combines military, diplomatic, and cultural expertise, reflecting its focus on maintaining strong UK-Oman relations through educational and cultural initiatives.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through an online application form available at www.britishomani.org/grant-application. Applicants must provide detailed project information demonstrating alignment with the Society's charitable objectives.

Application Requirements

Proposals must demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with British-Omani friendship objectives
• Evidence of involvement from both British and Omani participants
• Detailed cost estimates
• Demonstration of funding from other sources
• Clear explanation of how the grant fills a genuine funding gap
• Evidence of applicant's own resource contribution

Decision Timeline

• Applications are assessed at board meetings held approximately quarterly (every 3 months)
• No specific application deadlines - rolling basis with quarterly review
• Typical timeframe from submission to decision: up to 3 months (until next quarterly board meeting)
• Notification method: not publicly specified

Post-Award Requirements

Successful applicants must:

1. Sign a Grant Contract with the Society
2. Complete a Post Project Assessment Form upon project completion
3. Share project content (videos, photos, written/recorded materials) for Society promotional use

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly disclosed by the Society.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy or waiting period for unsuccessful applicants is publicly stated. Applicants may wish to contact the Society directly for guidance on resubmission.

Application Success Factors

Key Alignment Factors

1. Dual-Nation Engagement: Projects involving both British and Omani participants are strongly preferred. The Society explicitly values initiatives that bring together people from both nations.

1. Strategic Alignment with Oman 2040 Vision: Proposals that align with Oman's national development priorities under the 2040 Vision demonstrate awareness of current strategic objectives.

1. Broader Impact: Projects that benefit people beyond the immediate applicants score more highly. The Society seeks to maximize the reach and impact of its grants.

1. Sustainability and Skills Development: Initiatives providing “lasting formal training or skills” are prioritized over one-time events or benefits.

1. Research and Innovation: Projects contributing primary research or representing “significant breakthroughs” in their field are viewed favorably.

1. Demonstrated Co-Funding: Applicants must show they have secured or are pursuing funding from other sources, with the Society's grant filling a specific funding gap.

1. Own Resource Contribution: The Society expects applicants to demonstrate their own financial or in-kind contributions to the project.

Examples of Funded Projects

• Omani students attending the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF)
• Student Council National Day celebrations
• International Training Programme (ITP) for museum practices
• Arabic language intensive study programs in Oman
• Master's degree studies in financial services and law for Omani students in London

Standing Out in Applications

• Clearly articulate the British-Omani friendship dimension
• Show how the project extends beyond existing Society members to reach new audiences
• Provide specific, realistic budget breakdowns
• Demonstrate partnership commitments from institutions in both countries
• Connect to Oman's 2040 Vision where relevant
• Show long-term sustainability beyond the initial funding period

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Bilateral focus is essential: Every application should demonstrate clear involvement and benefit for both British and Omani participants. Single-country projects are unlikely to succeed.

• Strategic timing: With quarterly board meetings, plan your application submission to allow for the 3-month decision cycle. Submit well in advance of project start dates.

• Co-funding is expected: The Society positions itself as filling funding gaps, not as sole funders. Demonstrate other secured or pending funding sources.

• Think beyond individuals: While individual scholarships exist for specific programs, general grant applications should show wider community benefit and lasting impact.

• Educational mission is central: All funding must advance education about UK-Oman relations, whether through formal study, cultural exchange, research, or skills development.

• Leverage the 2040 Vision: Familiarize yourself with Oman's 2040 Vision priorities and connect your project to these national goals where authentic links exist.

• Build relationships: Consider joining the Society as a member and attending events to understand their priorities and build connections with trustees and staff before applying.

References

• About Us page: https://www.britishomani.org/about-us
• Grant Application page: https://www.britishomani.org/grant-application
• Team page: https://www.britishomani.org/team
• Arabic Language Scheme: https://www.britishomani.org/online-arabic-language-scheme
• Annual Reviews: https://www.britishomani.org/annual-reviews

• The British Omani Society, Charity Number 1127561
• https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1127561
• Financial information for year ending 31 March 2024: Income £456,943, Expenditure £508,583

• The British Omani Society, Company Number 06708685
• https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/06708685

1. Anglo-Omani Society Annual Reviews (2014-2024) - Published by The British Omani Society