The Leigh Educational Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £386,398 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £464,358 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Quarterly meetings (up to 3 months)
• Grant Range: Not specified
• Geographic Focus: Stoneleigh, Ashow, Leek Wootton, Guy's Cliffe, and Burton Green in Warwickshire

Contact Details

Website: https://leigheducationalfoundation.org.uk

Email: admin@leigheducationalfoundation.org.uk (or johnson.jfgm@gmail.com)

Phone: 01926 419300

Postal Address:

James Johnson, Clerk to the Trustees

The Leigh Educational Foundation

3 Barford Woods

Barford Road

Warwick

CV34 6SZ

Overview

The Leigh Educational Foundation was established in 1710 through the Will of Thomas, 2nd Baron Leigh of Stoneleigh, making it over 300 years old. Formally constituted as a Charitable Foundation in the 1980s, it has helped thousands of young people in specific Warwickshire parishes. The Foundation grants funds for the educational advancement and welfare of young people under the age of 25 who are resident, or whose parents are resident, in Stoneleigh, Ashow, Leek Wootton, Guy's Cliffe, or Burton Green. With an annual income of £386,398 (2024) and expenditure of £464,358, the Foundation maintains an active grant-making program managed by seven dedicated trustees who meet quarterly to review applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation operates a single grant program with quarterly decision-making cycles:

• Educational Grants for Under 25s: No specified range; rolling applications with quarterly deadlines (1 January, 1 April, 1 July, 1 October)

Priority Areas

The Foundation grants funds for virtually anything connected with the educational advancement and welfare of young people under 25, including:

• School trips (both domestic and international)
• School uniform and equipment
• School, college, and university expenses (including tuition fees)
• Specific tools and equipment for apprenticeships
• Support for youth group activities (Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies)

The Foundation has stated: “The Trustees are much more willing to consider making contributions to fees (university tuition fees are a good example) or charges (school trips).”

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation is cautious about:

• General hardware purchases (such as laptop computers) unless a precise and specific need is established
• Items of general utility without demonstrated educational necessity

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Governance and Leadership

Structure: The Foundation is managed by seven trustees who serve without remuneration. The Foundation has no employees with benefits over £60,000 and operates without trading subsidiaries.

Clerk to the Trustees: James Johnson oversees the administrative functions and serves as the primary point of contact.

The trustees meet four times per year (February, May, August, and November) to review applications and allocate grants.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using one of two methods:

1. Fillable PDF form (recommended, using Adobe Reader) - downloadable from the Foundation's website
2. Google Form - alternative online application method

Application Requirements:

• Complete the application “to the fullest possible extent”
• Ensure all information is legible and clear
• Provide details of the course or training being undertaken
• Specify what financial assistance is needed
• Provide consent for personal information use

Applications can be submitted by writing to or emailing the Foundation directly with these details.

Decision Timeline

Trustees Meetings: Four times annually in February, May, August, and November

Application Deadlines: For an application to be considered at a meeting, completed forms must be received by:

• 1 January (for February meeting)
• 1 April (for May meeting)
• 1 July (for August meeting)
• 1 October (for November meeting)

Applications are reviewed at the next trustees meeting following submission, meaning the decision timeline can range from a few weeks to up to three months, depending on submission timing.

Notification: The Foundation recommends requesting acknowledgement if no response has been received.

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

There is no limit on the number of applications an individual can submit. However, the Foundation notes it is “unusual” for an applicant to receive more than one grant per year, suggesting a preference for distributing funds widely across eligible young people.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's documented guidance, successful applications demonstrate:

Preference for Fee Contributions: The Foundation explicitly states that “The Trustees are much more willing to consider making contributions to fees (university tuition fees are a good example) or charges (school trips).” Applications for direct educational costs are prioritized.

Specific Need for Equipment: While cautious about hardware purchases, the Foundation will fund items like laptop computers when “a precise need is established.” Applicants seeking equipment should clearly articulate the specific educational requirement.

Thoroughness and Clarity: The Foundation emphasizes completing applications “to the fullest possible extent” and ensuring legibility. Well-documented applications with clear explanations of educational need are more likely to succeed.

Timing Considerations: Applicants should be aware of quarterly deadlines and plan submissions accordingly, especially for time-sensitive needs like upcoming school trips or term fees.

Apprenticeship Support: The Foundation shows willingness to consider funding “tools of a specific nature” for apprentices, indicating support for vocational training pathways.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Eligibility is Strict: Only young people under 25 who are resident (or whose parents are resident) in Stoneleigh, Ashow, Leek Wootton, Guy's Cliffe, or Burton Green qualify
• Prioritize Fee-Based Requests: Applications for contributions toward tuition fees, school trip charges, or direct educational costs are explicitly preferred over general equipment purchases
• Plan Around Quarterly Cycles: With only four decision meetings per year, timing your application strategically can reduce waiting time—submit just after a deadline to be considered at the next meeting
• Be Specific About Equipment Needs: If requesting hardware or equipment, clearly establish the precise educational need and why this specific item is essential
• Complete Applications Thoroughly: The Foundation values comprehensive applications; take time to explain the course/training and articulate exactly what financial support is needed
• One Grant Per Year is Typical: While multiple applications are allowed, receiving more than one grant annually is unusual, so prioritize your most critical educational need
• Long-Standing Community Commitment: With over 300 years of service, this Foundation has deep roots in supporting local young people—emphasize connection to the community and long-term educational goals

References

• The Leigh Educational Foundation official website: https://leigheducationalfoundation.org.uk
• Application information: https://leigheducationalfoundation.org.uk/apply/
• Charity Commission Register, Charity Number 701462: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/about-the-register-of-charities/-/charity-details/701462/charity-overview
• Contact information: https://leigheducationalfoundation.org.uk/contact-us/
• Turn2Us Grant Directory entry for The Leigh Educational Foundation: https://grants-search.turn2us.org.uk/grant/the-leigh-educational-foundation-14821