The Froebel Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Not publicly specified
• Success Rate: Competitive (number of applications exceeds awards available)
• Decision Time: Varies by grant programme
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £50,000
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide (England, Scotland, Wales) with some international outreach

Contact Details

Website: www.froebel.org.uk

Email: office@froebeltrust.org.uk

Phone: 020 8878 7546

Grants Contact: Mariana Macías Márquez

Pre-application Support: Ten-minute advisory online meeting slots available for potential applicants. Email grants contact at least two weeks in advance to book.

Overview

Founded in 2012 (Charity No. 1145128), The Froebel Trust emerged from The Incorporated Froebel Educational Institute, which dates back to 1892. The Trust is the only grant maker in England to fund research and practice development exclusively concerned with early childhood education and care for children from birth to eight years. The charity promotes the educational principles of Friedrich Froebel, focusing on play-based, child-centred learning. In 2021, the Trust launched a five-year strategy to: enable through grants, inform with training and resources, connect through networks, evidence Froebelian approach benefits, and champion children, families, educators, and play. The Trust operates UK-wide with particular activity in England, Scotland, and Wales, and maintains some international outreach partnerships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Professional Inquiry for Practice Transformation (PIPT) Grants: Amount not specified

New programme launched in 2026 for Froebel-trained educators in the UK to develop their practice through professional inquiry over an academic year. Projects focus on specific Froebelian Principles and receive support from a research mentor and online community. Applications submitted online when programme is open.

Open Call Research Grants: Up to £50,000

Funding for teams or collaborative research partnerships to develop new and robust knowledge about Froebelian education. Supports the Trust's mission of enabling early childhood educators, advocating for young children and families, and informing policymakers. Periodic open calls - dates vary.

Froebelian Network Grants: Up to £1,000

Annual grants for grassroots organisations and networks supporting and connecting Froebelian educators working with babies and young children. Maximum 20% of budget for resources or materials. Applications typically open in early spring with deadlines in late March.

PhD Bursaries: Amount varies

Support for students undertaking research with a Froebelian focus relating to young children's learning. Covers fees at UK student rate and provides maintenance grant. Not currently offered - check website for updates.

CPD & Training Funding: £500 - £5,000

Bursaries available for Froebel Trust endorsed courses at University of Edinburgh and University of Roehampton. Amounts vary by course level and type.

Priority Areas

• Froebelian principles and practice in early childhood education
• Children aged birth to eight years
• Play-based learning approaches
• Professional inquiry and practice development
• Communities and families in areas of deprivation (particularly welcomed)
• Outdoor learning and nature-based education
• Child voice and participation
• Inclusive practice
• Professional development for early years educators

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals not affiliated with an organisation/setting/school
• Projects not connected to Froebelian ethos and approach
• Capital costs (building works, equipment)
• Activities that have already taken place before application
• Costs associated with making an application
• More than 20% of budget for physical resources
• Travel to events without demonstrable project benefit versus environmental impact
• Network grants for Froebel Trust Endorsed Courses (funded differently)

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Governance and Leadership

Executive Team

• Dr. Sacha Powell: Chief Executive Officer - manages executive team and oversees implementation of trustees' strategic plans
• Dr. Nicola Kemp: Director of Insight and Impact
• Oksana Lissovets: Finance Manager
• Mariana Macías Márquez: Administrator - works closely with trustees, staff, tutors and grant holders

Board of Trustees

• Mark Devlin: Chair of Trustees
• Michael Pearson: Chair of Finance & Governance Committee
• Lilah Woods: Chair of Communications Committee
• Professor Kate Hoskins: Chair of Research Sub-Committee
• Dr Lucy Parker: Chair of Education Sub-Committee (Deputy Headteacher at Ludwick Nursery School)
• Dr Sharon Colilles, Dr Fufy Demissie, Professor Jean Noel Ezingeard, Catriona Gill, Abha Hurri, Holli Williams (Head of Schools at Linden Tree Nursery Schools), Sean Alleyne

Council

Sets the charity's strategic direction and provides governance, advice, and challenge to the Executive Team.

How to Apply to The Froebel Trust

How to Apply

PIPT Grants:

1. Review Guidance for Applicants document
2. Check eligibility requirements including Froebel Trust training completion
3. Submit online application form when programme is open
4. Optional: Book 10-minute advisory meeting with grants contact (minimum 2 weeks advance notice)

Network Grants:

1. Prepare clear 12-month plan for network activities
2. If previous recipient, ensure prior grant report submitted
3. Submit online application by deadline (typically late March)

Research Grants:

• Applications reviewed by experts in Froebelian principles who score and provide comments
• Grants Panel uses scores to shortlist and make award decisions

Decision Timeline

Varies by programme. Successful applicants notified by email and receive award letter explaining claim process. Due diligence required before grant claim. The Trust does not enter negotiations about decisions, which are final.

Success Rates

Number of applications generally exceeds number of awards available across all programmes. Specific percentage not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Priority for New Applicants: The Trust gives preference to first-time recipients across most grant programmes. Actively encourages and prioritises new applicants with strong applications who have not previously received funding.

Network Grants: Previous recipients can reapply if they have submitted their report on how the last grant was spent.

Feedback: Due to limited capacity, the Trust cannot provide detailed feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Eligibility Requirements

• Training prerequisite: Lead applicant and at least one other team member must have completed Froebel Trust Short Courses or endorsed courses (University of Edinburgh or Roehampton)
• Organisational backing: Full support from head of school/setting essential
• UK-based: Lead applicants must work in UK settings

Key Success Factors

Strong Froebelian Framework: Applications must demonstrate genuine commitment to and understanding of Froebelian principles - child-centred, play-based approaches.

Senior Leadership Support: Projects with full backing and involvement of senior management have greater success and more lasting benefits. This support should be explicit in applications.

Clear Research Design: For research-based grants, include a research mentor if required. Trust can help find mentors.

Realistic Budgets:

• Most budget should be for staff time or training
• Less than 20% for physical resources
• Include mentor costs if applicable

Partnership Approaches: Partnering with other settings is encouraged and strengthens applications.

Focus on Impact: Demonstrate how projects will have lasting, positive effects on practice and children's learning.

Recent Funded Projects (2024 Examples)

• Intergenerational setting research on children's identity and belonging (Northumbria University)
• Professional knowledge development for 'freedom with guidance' in outdoor environments (Canterbury Christ Church University)
• Play supporting children's learning indoors and outdoors (Cardiff Flying Start)
• Capturing babies' voices in planning and provision (Ely and Caerau Integrated Children's Centre)
• Mixed-age play opportunities development (Maisondieu Primary School, Scotland)
• Sustainable gardening eco-schools projects
• Froebelian approach to slow pedagogy
• Supporting SEND & vulnerable children's outdoor access
• Developing woodwork and sewing in early years settings

Application Review Process

Applications reviewed by experts in Froebelian principles and practice who score each application and provide comments. Review panel includes education practitioners and academics with deep knowledge of Froebel's philosophy.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Complete the training first: Cannot apply without completing Froebel Trust Short Courses or endorsed courses - plan ahead as this is a strict eligibility requirement.

1. Demonstrate deep Froebelian understanding: Generic early years applications won't succeed. Show specific knowledge of Froebel's principles: unity, connectivity, play, observation, autonomy within community.

1. Secure leadership buy-in before applying: Applications must have full backing from senior management. This isn't optional - it's essential for success and sustainability.

1. First-time applicants have advantage: If you haven't received Froebel Trust funding before, this significantly improves your chances. The Trust explicitly prioritises new applicants.

1. Budget for people, not things: Most of your budget should be staff time and training. Physical resources limited to 20% of total budget.

1. Use advisory meetings strategically: Book a 10-minute consultation with the grants contact at least two weeks before deadline to strengthen your application.

1. Review funded projects: Study recent awards and case studies on the Trust's website to understand what successful projects look like and the language they use.

1. Plan for 12-18 months: Research and practice development projects should be substantial enough to run for at least a year, demonstrating sustainable impact rather than quick fixes.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• David And Elaine Potter Foundation
• Paul Hamlyn Foundation
• Huo Family Foundation (uk) Limited
• The Eranda Rothschild Foundation
• The Happold Foundation
• The Sam And Bella Sebba Charitable Foundation
• The Mackintosh Foundation
• John Lewis Partnership Foundation
• The Ireland Fund Of Great Britain
• The True Colours Trust

References

• The Froebel Trust official website: https://www.froebel.org.uk/
• About the Trust: https://www.froebel.org.uk/about-us/about-the-trust
• PIPT Grants page: https://www.froebel.org.uk/grants-and-funding/pipt-grants
• Open Call Research Grants: https://www.froebel.org.uk/grants-and-funding/open-call-research-grants
• Froebelian Network Grants: https://www.froebel.org.uk/grants-and-funding/froebelian-network-grants
• Meet Our Team: https://www.froebel.org.uk/about-us/meet-our-team
• 2024 Grants Awarded: https://www.froebel.org.uk/news/2024-froebel-trust-grants-awarded
• Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1145128
• How We Work: https://www.froebel.org.uk/about-us/how-we-work