The Jim Jackson Educational And Enabling Foundation Cio

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 1195440
• Annual Applications: 216+ (2024: 193 individual + 23 from charities)
• Grant Range: £1,250 - £2,500 (per individual through university partnerships)
• Age Founded: 2021 (now in third year of operation)
• Geographic Focus: Throughout England and India
• Target Beneficiaries: Young people aged 16-24 facing disadvantages
• Fund Allocation: 60% Educational, 25% Enabling, 13% Hardship, 2% Administration

Contact Details

Address: Balneath Manor, South Chailey, East Sussex, BN8 4AP

Email: Info@jimjacksonfoundation.org.uk

Phone: 01273 408837

Website: www.jimjacksonfoundation.org.uk

Application Portals:

• Sponsor Application: Available via Office Forms (institutions)
• Individual Application: Available via Office Forms (direct applicants)

Overview

The Jim Jackson Educational and Enabling Foundation CIO (Charity Number 1195440) was established in 2021 in memory of Jim Jackson, a successful businessman who overcame disadvantaged circumstances during the Second World War to co-found Aspects Beauty Company with his wife Jill. The foundation was created by Jill Hill to carry on Jim's passion for advancing people who have faced disadvantages but possess obvious potential to succeed in business careers. The charity operates as a grant-making organization focusing on education/training and the prevention or relief of poverty, making grants to both individuals and other charitable organizations throughout England and India. In 2024, the foundation processed 216 applications and allocated funds with 60% directed to educational expenditure, 25% to enabling support, 13% to hardship relief, and just 2% to compliance and administration.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

University Partnership Scholarships:

• Northumbria University: £2,500 per student (8 students annually for Newcastle Business School)
• Manchester Metropolitan University: £2,000 per student (10 first-generation students for business degrees)
• University of Brighton: £1,250 Business Placement Scholarships (4 second-year business students)

College and Apprenticeship Programs:

• Plumpton College: 50% funded Level 3 Lead Baker Apprenticeship (UK's first of its kind)
• Support for students through application form deadline end of April

Individual Support Grants:

• Vocational course funding (full or partial)
• Equipment and technology purchases
• Work experience and apprenticeship support
• Business etiquette and communication training
• Transport and accommodation costs
• Mentoring and career development

Organizational Grants:

• Support for third-party organizations to take on apprentices
• Partnership funding with charities (23 organizational applications processed in 2024)
• Collaboration with HARC (Hastings Advice and Representation Centre) for training and life skills

Priority Areas

The foundation specifically supports:

• “For profit” careers in business and commerce (selling a trade, skill, or service)
• Vocational training and apprenticeships
• Business-related degree programs
• Students with excellent attendance, behavior, and genuine passion
• Young people recommended by schools, colleges, universities, social workers, or community institutions
• First-generation university students from disadvantaged backgrounds
• Individuals facing obstacles such as interrupted learning, health problems, or social disadvantages

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly states they do not support careers in professional fields (as distinct from business and commerce).

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Governance and Leadership

Founder and Chair: Jill Hill (Jim Jackson's wife and business partner at Aspects Beauty Company)

Trustees:

• Andrew Jackson
• Paul Frost
• Gill Smith
• Andrew Field
• Ben Woodley

Key Quote from Founder Jill Hill: “The Jim Jackson Foundation is very pleased to partner with Northumbria University to provide support to young people wishing to acquire business qualifications so that they are able to access a career in business.”

On the University of Brighton partnership, Jill noted: “This collaboration holds special meaning to the Foundation as the University of Brighton is local to our base, and Jim Jackson – whose vision continues to guide our work – lived nearby.”

The founder's 2024 letter noted it was “heartbreaking to be unable to help all those who applied,” reflecting the high demand for their support and the foundation's commitment to maximizing impact while maintaining careful stewardship of resources.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation strongly prefers institutional nominations over direct individual applications. They aim to “build long term relationships with institutions” and encourage applicants to seek sponsorship from:

• Schools
• Colleges
• Universities
• Social Workers
• Religious Institutions
• Community Organizations

Recommended Process:

1. Contact a relevant institution or community leader to nominate you
2. The institution contacts the foundation at Info@jimjacksonfoundation.org.uk
3. For educational institutions: Complete the online application form via their Office Forms portal

Direct Individual Applications:

While institutional sponsorship is preferred, individuals aged 16-24 can apply directly through the foundation's online application form. However, the foundation encourages applicants to “consider asking someone in your community to contact us or put forward an application on your behalf” first.

For Plumpton College Students: Complete the interest form at https://forms.office.com/e/me603hYZGL by end of April to schedule a meeting with a Bursary Officer.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly stated. However, the foundation notes:

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
• Peak application periods are June and July
• The foundation reviews applications to “determine appropriate financial assistance”
• Meetings with Bursary Officers are arranged after initial application submission

Success Rates

In 2024, the foundation received 216 applications (193 from individuals, 23 from charities). The founder noted it was “heartbreaking to be unable to help all those who applied,” indicating that not all applications are funded. Specific approval rates are not publicly disclosed, but the high demand and selective nature suggest competitive selection focused on candidates who best fit the foundation's mission.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is stated on the foundation's website or public materials. Applicants seeking clarification should contact Info@jimjacksonfoundation.org.uk directly.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and partnerships:

1. Institutional Sponsorship Strongly Preferred: The foundation explicitly states they prefer to work through schools, colleges, and community organizations. Applications from or endorsed by these institutions appear to have greater success. As the website states: “Before making an application, please consider asking someone in your community to contact us.”

1. Demonstrate Clear Business Career Focus: The foundation only supports “for profit careers” in business and commerce, not professional fields. Applicants should clearly articulate how their training or education will lead to a business-based career selling a trade, skill, or service.

1. Evidence of Overcoming Disadvantage: Jim Jackson's own story of overcoming wartime disadvantages to succeed in business is central to the foundation's mission. Applicants should demonstrate obstacles they've faced (interrupted learning, health problems, social disadvantages) and their potential despite these challenges.

1. Show Commitment and Passion: The foundation specifically seeks students with “excellent attendance, behavior, and a genuine passion for their subject.” Track record matters.

1. Age Requirement: Must be between 16-24 years old to be eligible for individual support.

1. Business School Students: Several university partnerships focus specifically on business school students (Northumbria, Manchester Met), suggesting alignment with business education increases chances of support.

1. First-Generation Students: Manchester Met partnership specifically targets first-generation university students, indicating this is a priority demographic.

1. Local Connections: The foundation noted special meaning in partnering with University of Brighton because it's local to their East Sussex base, suggesting geographic proximity may be a factor.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Work through institutions: The foundation explicitly prefers institutional nominations. Schools, colleges, and community organizations should apply on behalf of students rather than encouraging direct applications.

• Focus on business careers, not professions: The foundation has a clear distinction between supporting “for profit careers” in business/commerce versus professional careers. Applications must demonstrate alignment with business-focused vocational or educational pathways.

• Build multi-year relationships: The foundation aims to establish “long term relationships with institutions” as evidenced by their three-year Plumpton College partnership. Consider approaching them for ongoing partnerships rather than one-off funding requests.

• Understand the founder's story: Jim Jackson's journey from wartime disadvantage to business success through recognition by a supportive teacher underpins the foundation's entire approach. Frame applications around identifying hidden potential in disadvantaged youth.

• Demonstrate high demand and careful selection: With 216 applications in 2024 and the founder noting it was “heartbreaking” not to help everyone, applications must be compelling and well-targeted.

• Leverage existing partnerships: The foundation works closely with universities (Northumbria, Manchester Met, Brighton) and organizations like HARC. Consider how your organization might complement or connect with these existing relationships.

• Show excellent stewardship: With only 2% spent on administration, the foundation clearly prioritizes efficient direct impact. Demonstrate how your proposal maximizes benefit to young people with minimal overhead.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Royal Female School of Art Foundation
• The Connolly Foundation (UK) Limited
• James Marshall Foundation CIO
• Huntingdon Freemen's Trust
• The Lytham Schools Foundation
• The Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust (The Rigby Foundation)
• Peter Coates Foundation
• Magdalen and Lasher Educational Foundation
• Richard Reeve's Foundation
• SOFRONIE FOUNDATION

References

1. The Jim Jackson Educational and Enabling Foundation official website - https://jimjacksonfoundation.org.uk -
2. Charity Commission Register - THE JIM JACKSON EDUCATIONAL AND ENABLING FOUNDATION CIO (1195440) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5180385 -
3. “2025 Yearly Round Up - A letter from our Founder” - https://jimjacksonfoundation.org.uk/news/70/2025-yearly-round-up---a-letter-from-our-founder -
4. “Scholarship support for talented students” - Northumbria University - https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/news-events/news/hardship-scholarships-for-talented-students/ -
5. “The Jim Jackson Foundation support aspiring business leaders through the First Generation Scholarship Programme” - Manchester Metropolitan University - https://www.mmu.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/story/jim-jackson-foundation-support-aspiring-business-leaders-through-first -
6. “Jim Jackson Foundation Supports Young Entrepreneurs Facing Obstacles” - Plumpton College - https://www.plumpton.ac.uk/news-events/jim-jackson-foundation-supports-young-entrepreneurs-facing-obstacles/ -
7. “Foundation Partners with Bright Young Things” - Jim Jackson Foundation - https://jimjacksonfoundation.org.uk/newsstory2.aspx -
8. “Jim Jackson Tribute” - Aspects Beauty Company - https://aspectsbeauty.com/jim-jackson-tribute/ -
9. “Who we are | Our Values” - Jim Jackson Foundation - https://jimjacksonfoundation.org.uk/whoweare -
10. “Apply For Support” - Jim Jackson Foundation - https://jimjacksonfoundation.org.uk/applyforsupport -
11. FAQ page - Jim Jackson Foundation - https://jimjacksonfoundation.org.uk/faq.aspx -