The Markawasi Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £85,757 (2025)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Central and South America (Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, Peru)

Contact Details

• Email: kathryn.zambrano@hotmail.co.uk
• Phone: 01483 423223
• Address: Swanbourne Cottage, Shackleford Road, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AE
• Website: None available
• Pre-application support: Direct contact via email or phone recommended

Overview

The Markawasi Foundation is a UK-registered charitable company established in 2003 that focuses on poverty relief and educational advancement in Central and South American communities. With annual expenditure of approximately £86,000, the foundation operates as a grant-making organization supporting both individuals and organizations working in Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Peru. The foundation maintains a low public profile with no website or published application process, operating primarily through trustee discretion and existing relationships with church organizations and other charities in the region. Despite its modest size, the foundation has maintained consistent annual giving over recent years and focuses specifically on children, young people, and elderly populations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants through two primary channels:

• Individual Grants: Direct support to individuals for education and poverty relief (amounts not disclosed)
• Organizational Grants: Support to charities and church organizations working in target countries (amounts not disclosed)

Priority Areas

• Education and training initiatives
• Poverty prevention and relief
• Accommodation and housing support
• Community development in Central and South America

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's narrow geographic and thematic focus suggests they do not fund:

• Projects outside Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Peru
• Activities unrelated to education, poverty relief, or housing
• UK-based activities
• General operating support for organizations outside their mission area

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Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by 5 trustees who receive no remuneration. The charity employs 6 staff members according to Companies House records. Contact person Kathryn Zambrano appears to be the primary point of contact for grant inquiries. The foundation does not raise funds from the public, suggesting it operates from private endowment or a limited donor base.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at trustee discretion based on their own research and existing relationships with organizations and individuals in Central and South America. Organizations seeking support must make direct contact via the provided email or phone number.

Getting on Their Radar

As the foundation works “either directly or indirectly to other charities or church organisations,” building relationships with church organizations already connected to the foundation in Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, or Peru may provide an introduction pathway. The foundation appears to identify beneficiaries through existing networks rather than open applications.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available - likely varies based on trustee meeting schedules

Success Rates

No data available on application numbers or success rates

Reapplication Policy

No information available

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's operating model, success factors likely include:

• Strong alignment with poverty relief or education in their four target countries
• Existing relationships with church organizations or charities they already support
• Clear focus on children, young people, or elderly beneficiaries
• Demonstrable track record working in Central or South America
• Direct connection to communities in Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, or Peru

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is an invitation-only funder with no public application process - direct relationship building is essential
• Focus exclusively on education and poverty relief in Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Peru
• Small foundation with modest annual giving around £86,000 total
• Works through both direct grants and partnerships with existing charities/church organizations
• Primary beneficiaries are children, young people, and elderly populations
• Contact Kathryn Zambrano directly to explore potential funding opportunities
• Consider partnering with organizations they already fund in target countries as an entry point

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Old Dart Foundation
• Ida Davis Family Foundation
• THE JMCMRJ SORRELL FOUNDATION
• The Neon Foundation
• ELARA FOUNDATION
• Palle Moeller Foundation
• Goodwill Foundation
• Gemma and Chris McGough Charitable Foundation CIO
• The Devchandbhai & Kankuben Foundation
• The 3C Foundation

References

• UK Charity Commission Register, The Markawasi Foundation (Charity Number 1100527): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1100527&subid=0
• NGO Explorer, The Markawasi Foundation profile: https://ngoexplorer.org/charity/1100527
• CharityiChoose, The Markawasi Foundation listing: https://www.charityichoose.com/guildford/education-training/the-markawasi-foundation
• Companies House records for The Markawasi Foundation (Company Number 04775885)