The Horizon Foundation

Charity Number: 1169379

Annual Expenditure: £0.7M

Stay updated on changes from The Horizon Foundation and other funders

Get daily notifications about new funding opportunities, deadline changes, and programme updates from UK funders.

Free Email Updates

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: £700,788 (2023/24)
Total Income: £597,994 (2023/24)
Decision Time: Via UWC National Committee process (typically several months)
Grant Type: Full scholarships covering tuition, boarding, flights, and incidental expenses
Geographic Focus: Middle East and Asia (specifically Palestinians, Syrians, Afghans, and Tibetans)
Scholars Supported: 195 since 2006; currently 12 in secondary school, 86 at university

Contact Details

Website: www.horizonfoundation.info

Email: mail@horizonfoundation.info

Phone: 07950374905

Address: 37 Chapel Field East, Norwich, NR2 1SF

Note: The Foundation does NOT accept direct applications from students. Applications must go through UWC National Committees.

Overview

The Horizon Foundation was established in 2006 by Patrick and Kirkland Smulders and formally registered as a UK charity in 2007, becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in September 2016 (charity number 1169379). The Foundation's mission is to “develop a well-rounded and internationally-aware generation through exemplary education.” With annual expenditure of approximately £700,000, the Foundation focuses exclusively on providing comprehensive educational scholarships to exceptional young people aged 16-19 from refugee communities and conflict-affected regions. Since inception, the Foundation has supported 195 scholars, with current priorities on Palestinians, Syrians, Afghans, and Tibetans. The Foundation operates as a non-political, non-sectarian organization with two staff members and four dedicated trustees who receive no remuneration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

UWC Scholarship Programme: Full scholarships covering tuition, boarding fees, international flights, and incidental expenses for two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) at United World Colleges and select boarding schools.

Scholar Development Fund: Ongoing support for scholars throughout their academic journey, including pastoral care, guardian appointments when necessary, and university transition support.

Application Method: Applications MUST be submitted through UWC National Committees in the scholar's country of residence or citizenship. The Foundation does not accept direct applications. UWC National Committee applications typically open in July each year.

Priority Areas

Geographic Focus:

Palestinian students (including those in occupied territories and refugee camps)
Syrian refugees (particularly those in Lebanon and neighboring countries)
Afghan refugees and students affected by conflict
Tibetan refugees (primarily in India)

Student Profile:

Academically exceptional young people aged 16-19
Community-oriented with leadership potential
Aspiring to become change agents in their regions
Demonstrating financial need
From areas affected by conflict, occupation, or exile

Educational Pathway:

Secondary education (final two years/IBDP) at UWC schools and select boarding schools
University education support through Davis-UWC Scholars Program
Post-university career development and networking

What They Don't Fund

Direct applications from students (must apply through UWC National Committees)
Students outside target communities (Palestinians, Syrians, Afghans, Tibetans)
Students not in the 16-19 age range for secondary scholarships
Organizations or institutions (grants are to individuals only)
Postgraduate study (focus is on secondary and undergraduate education)

Ready to write a winning application for The Horizon Foundation?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Get Free Beta Access

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Patrick Smulders (Co-founder & Trustee): Private equity investor and Managing Partner of Freshstream Capital. Previously held senior positions at Bregal Freshstream Capital, TowerBrook, Soros Private Equity, and Doughty Hanson. Governor of Rugby School and trustee of the Royal National Children's Springbank Foundation. Education: A.B. from Harvard College; M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

Kirkland Newman Smulders (Co-founder & Trustee): Writer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mental health. Founded MindHealth360 and is establishing The London Integrative Mental Health Clinic. Former roles at Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Ogilvy & Mather, and Prince's Trust. Co-chair and trustee for Lessons with Love, supporting refugee communities in Bethlehem. Education: First-class degree in Modern Languages from Oxford; MSc in European Studies from LSE; MA in Near and Middle Eastern Studies from SOAS.

Catherine Roe (Trustee): Over 25 years developing and leading foundations and nonprofits, many Middle East-focused. Former British diplomat specializing in multilateral negotiation. Director of CMR Consult Ltd. Trustee of the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Education: Masters in History from Oxford; MBA from London Business School; Masters in Middle East Studies from SOAS.

Maury Shenk (Trustee): Lawyer, entrepreneur, and investor specializing in education, AI, IT services, digital media, and green technology. CEO of edtech startup LearnerShape; director of PeopleCert; managing director of Lily Innovation.

Organizational Structure

Staff: 2 employees (one earning £70,000-£80,000 annually)
Governance: No trustees receive remuneration or benefits
Legal Status: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

CRITICAL: The Horizon Foundation does NOT accept direct applications from students.

Application Route:

UWC Palestine (for Palestinian students)
UWC Palestinian Camps in Lebanon (for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon)
UWC Syria (for Syrian students; Palestinians in Syria should apply here)
UWC Afghanistan
UWC India or appropriate committee for Tibetan refugees

Apply through the UWC National Committee when they announce their application call (typically opens in July)

Select students are considered for various scholarship sources, including the Horizon Foundation

The Foundation works with “trusted local partners and host schools” to conduct rigorous selection

Selection Portal: apply.uwc.org (choose “UWC National Committee” route)

Decision Timeline

Application Opening: Typically July each year (varies by National Committee)
Selection Process: Several months (timing varies by National Committee)
Notification: Through UWC National Committee
Programme Start: Following academic year (August/September)

Success Rates

While specific acceptance rates are not published, the programme is highly competitive:

The Foundation has supported 195 scholars since 2006 (approximately 11 scholars per year on average)
Scholars are described as “exceptional young people” and “academically accomplished”
Selection involves “rigorous criteria” with help from local partners and host schools
Gender distribution is nearly equal: 46% male, 54% female

Reapplication Policy

Not specified. Applicants should follow UWC National Committee guidance on reapplication policies, which may vary by committee.

Application Success Factors

Selection Criteria

Based on the Foundation's focus and scholar testimonials, successful candidates demonstrate:

Academic Excellence: Scholars “leave school with excellent results” and attend leading universities
Community Orientation: “Community-oriented” students who aspire to create “positive change in their communities”
Leadership Potential: Students positioned to become “change agents” in their regions
Resilience: Students from conflict-affected backgrounds who demonstrate determination
Alignment with Target Communities: Currently prioritizing Palestinians, Syrians, Afghans, and Tibetans

Scholar Success Stories

Arein (Palestinian, UWC Adriatic 2019): “The Horizon Foundation takes credit for all the wonderful and impactful experiences that I had as a UWC student.”

Wassim (Palestinian, Eton College 2016): "I would not have been able to achieve everything without Horizon's support."

Ameed (Palestinian, UWC Atlantic 2012): “The Horizon scholarship was transformative. It enabled me to access the best education worldwide.”

Graduate Outcomes

80+ scholars now in professional careers across finance, IT, engineering, international relations, human rights, and medicine
Most scholars attend universities in the US and UK
Many access Davis-UWC Scholars Program for American university scholarships
Ongoing alumni network and reunion events foster community

Strategic Approach

The Foundation emphasizes:

Holistic Support: Beyond financial aid, provides pastoral care, guardians when needed, and long-term follow-up
Network Building: Private networking platform for current and past scholars
Continuity: Maintains contact throughout academic and professional journeys
Partnership Approach: Works closely with UWC schools, National Committees, and local trusted partners

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

No Direct Applications: You CANNOT apply directly to the Horizon Foundation. Applications must go through your UWC National Committee. Contact your local committee first.

Target Demographics Matter: The Foundation has shifted its focus specifically to Palestinians, Syrians, Afghans, and Tibetans. If you're not from these communities, this scholarship is not available.

Community Impact is Essential: Demonstrate your commitment to creating positive change in your community and region. The Foundation seeks “change agents,” not just academic achievers.

Timing is Critical: UWC National Committee applications typically open in July. Plan ahead and prepare your application materials early.

Full Support Package: If selected, the scholarship covers everything—tuition, boarding, flights, and incidental expenses. You won't need to secure additional funding for secondary education.

Long-term Relationship: The Foundation maintains contact with scholars throughout university and into professional careers. Emphasize your commitment to long-term engagement with the Horizon community.

Pathway to University: Horizon scholars gain access to the Davis-UWC Scholars Program for American university scholarships, creating a clear pathway from secondary to tertiary education.