The Rob George Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Data not publicly available
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Grants awarded monthly
• Grant Range: Up to £1,000 (exceptional circumstances may allow more)
• Geographic Focus: Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and London Boroughs

Contact Details

• Website: therobgeorgefoundation.co.uk
• Email: enquiries@therobgeorgefoundation.co.uk
• Phone: 07831 504298

Overview

The Rob George Foundation was established in January 2014 in memory of Rob George, who died aged 21 on 9 December 2013 following a battle with acute myeloid leukaemia. Rob was diagnosed in June 2011 and achieved full remission, but the leukaemia returned two years later. Despite further chemotherapy and plans for a stem cell transplant, Rob passed away in December 2013. Since inception, the foundation has distributed over £1 million in grants and supported more than 1,700 young people. In June 2025, the foundation merged with Essex Community Foundation to secure its long-term future whilst continuing to operate under its original mission.

Funding Priorities

Who Can Apply

The foundation supports young people in two key areas:

1. Young people facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses
2. Young people demonstrating exceptional commitment and/or ability in sport or the performing arts who may be held back by their financial situation

Grant Amounts

Individual awards of up to £1,000 are typically made, though in exceptional circumstances larger amounts may be considered.

Geographic Restrictions

Applications are only accepted from young people permanently resident in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire or any London Borough within the UK.

Application Method

Grants are awarded monthly following the foundation's partnership with Essex Community Foundation. Applications can be submitted on a rolling basis.

What They Fund

• Practical and financial support for young people with life-threatening or terminal illnesses
• Financial support for talented young people in sport or performing arts
• Equipment and resources to support young people's goals
• Support to help young people achieve their potential during difficult circumstances

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not published, but the foundation focuses exclusively on its two core aims for young people within the specified geographic area.

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Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by a board of trustees including Rob's parents, Philip George (Chair) and Lorraine George. No trustees receive remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity. Following the June 2025 merger, the foundation works in partnership with Essex Community Foundation whilst maintaining its original charitable objectives.

How to Apply to The Rob George Foundation

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Every successful applicant is required to agree key objectives with the trustees and provide feedback against those objectives to an agreed timescale.

Decision Timeline

Grants are awarded monthly. Specific decision timelines are not published.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities:

• Clear demonstration of how the grant will support a young person facing a life-threatening illness or pursuing excellence in sport/performing arts
• Residency within the eligible geographic area (Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire or London Boroughs)
• Realistic assessment of needs and how support will make a difference
• Willingness to agree objectives and provide feedback on outcomes
• Connection to the foundation's mission of helping young people achieve their potential despite challenges

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Ensure applicants are permanently resident in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire or a London Borough
• Focus applications on one of the two core aims: supporting those with life-threatening illness or exceptional talent in sport/performing arts
• Be realistic about funding needs - typical grants are up to £1,000
• Demonstrate how the support will help the young person achieve their goals
• Be prepared to set objectives and provide feedback if successful
• Applications are reviewed monthly on a rolling basis

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Hargreaves Foundation
• Joseph Levy Foundation
• John Horniman's Children's Trust
• The Edgar E Lawley Foundation
• Woodroffe Benton Foundation
• Focus Foundation
• The John Thaw Foundation
• Matchroom Charitable Foundation
• The Veterans' Foundation
• The Allen Lane Foundation

References

• The Rob George Foundation Official Website (therobgeorgefoundation.co.uk) -
• Charity Commission Register Entry 1156026
• Essex Community Foundation announcement regarding merger
• Colchester Gazette news reports on Rob George and the foundation