The RWS Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: International
• Charity Number: 1127138
• Application Method: No public application process

Contact Details

Website: www.rws.com/about/foundation/

Email: connect@rws.com

Phone: 01753 480200

Address: RWS Compass House, Vanwall Business Park, Vanwall Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 4UB

Overview

The RWS Foundation (charity number 1127138) launched with a renewed purpose in February 2023 to unlock global understanding by breaking down language barriers and supporting sustainable development projects worldwide. The Foundation operates as the charitable arm of RWS plc, a global leader in translation and content solutions. The Foundation actively involves RWS employees across multiple countries in charitable initiatives, focusing on structural and sustainable projects that enable disadvantaged communities to improve their lives through education, better living conditions, and income generation. The Foundation's trustees represent a broad spectrum of RWS's global business and act in the Foundation's best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions while managing resources responsibly. Chairman Andrew Brode was awarded the Medal of Honour from the University of Manchester for outstanding contributions to education through philanthropic activities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation does not operate traditional grant programmes with published funding tiers. Instead, they make strategic partnerships and donations aligned with their three focus areas. Known beneficiaries include:

• CLEAR Global (Sapphire Sponsorship): Ongoing multi-year partnership supporting humanitarian translation efforts, including financial support, access to language specialists, and project management resources
• RWS-Brode Scholarship Programme: University of Manchester partnership supporting 50+ students since 2019, with ongoing pledges for additional students
• Accessibility for Blind Translators: 9-month project enabling over 1,000 visually impaired translators to work independently through accessible Trados Studio software

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on three core areas:

1. Language and Content Transformation: Breaking down language barriers to enable global understanding and access to vital information
2. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Supporting underrepresented groups and ensuring equal access to opportunities
3. Quality Education: Enabling access to education, particularly language education and skills training for disadvantaged communities

Historical partnerships have included:

• Partnership with MicroLoan Foundation supporting microfinance in Zimbabwe
• Partnership with Food for the Hungry supporting community development in Kenya
• Partnership with Santa Maria Education Fund in Paraguay

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation does not publicly disclose specific exclusions. Their focus is clearly on projects related to language access, education, and poverty alleviation through sustainable development.

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Governance and Leadership

The Foundation's trustees represent a broad spectrum of RWS's global business and act in the Foundation's best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions while managing resources responsibly.

Key Leadership:

• Andrew Brode: Chairman of RWS plc, for whom the RWS-Brode Scholarship Programme is named. Awarded the Medal of Honour from the University of Manchester in recognition of outstanding contributions to education through philanthropic activities.
• David Shrimpton: Independent Chair of The RWS Foundation

The Foundation emphasises employee engagement, involving RWS plc staff across multiple countries in their charitable initiatives.

How to Apply to The Rws Foundation

How to Apply

The RWS Foundation does not have a public application process. The Foundation selects beneficiaries through trustee discretion based on alignment with their mission and values. Grants appear to be awarded through:

• Strategic partnerships identified by the Foundation's leadership
• Multi-year commitments to selected beneficiary organisations
• Employee-involved charitable initiatives

CLEAR Global CEO Aimee Ansari noted: “Our partnership with RWS is one of our strongest and broadest – making the collaboration impactful beyond the much-appreciated financial contribution.”

Getting on Their Radar

Direct alignment with RWS's business focus: The Foundation selects beneficiaries that closely align with the Foundation's purpose of unlocking global understanding by breaking down language barriers. Organisations working at the intersection of language access, translation, and humanitarian work may be of particular interest.

Collaborative partnership model: The Foundation seeks relationships that go beyond financial support. Their partnership with CLEAR Global includes sharing internal resources, language specialists, and project managers. Organisations offering opportunities for RWS employee engagement and skills-based volunteering may be more attractive.

Long-term sustainable projects: The Foundation indicates preference for sustained, multi-year commitments over one-off grants, supporting “structural and sustainable projects” with lasting impact.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. The Foundation operates on a fiscal year ending 30 September.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable as there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since the Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, success depends on strategic alignment and relationship building:

Strong alignment with core mission: The Foundation explicitly states that they “donate to beneficiaries aligned to their purpose and values.” Organisations must demonstrate clear connections to language and content transformation, diversity/equity/inclusion, or quality education.

Language and translation focus: Given RWS's core business in translation and localisation, organisations that help break down language barriers or improve access to information across languages appear most likely to be selected. CLEAR Global's work providing translation for humanitarian crises exemplifies this alignment.

Sustainable, scalable impact: The Foundation describes supporting “structural and sustainable projects” that enable lasting improvements. Projects with clear mechanisms for sustainable income generation, education outcomes, or community development are prioritised over short-term relief.

Employee engagement opportunities: The Foundation explicitly seeks to involve RWS plc employees across various countries in charitable organisations and causes. Opportunities for skills-based volunteering or employee participation strengthen proposals.

Geographic diversity: RWS operates internationally, and the Foundation has supported projects in the UK (University of Manchester), Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Paraguay, suggesting openness to global partnerships.

Proven track record: Selected partners like CLEAR Global and the University of Manchester are established organisations with demonstrated impact. New or unproven organisations may face barriers to selection.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process: This is an invitation-only funder. Direct applications are not accepted.
• Strategic alignment is critical: Focus on language access, translation, diversity/equity/inclusion, and education—preferably at their intersection.
• Multi-year partnerships preferred: The Foundation commits to sustained relationships rather than one-off grants.
• Employee engagement adds value: Opportunities for RWS staff involvement through skills-based volunteering or collaborative projects strengthen the case.
• Beyond financial support: The Foundation offers access to specialised expertise (language professionals, project managers) and resources beyond funding.
• Strong existing partnerships: CLEAR Global and University of Manchester represent multi-year commitments with clear outcomes.
• Corporate foundation model: Decisions appear to be made by trustees with close ties to RWS plc's business strategy and global operations.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Be Global Foundation
• Zarina Foundation
• Palle Moeller Foundation
• The Mosawi Foundation
• Belron Ronnie Lubner Charitable Foundation
• Fiftyfour Two Foundation (54:2 Foundation)
• Ida Davis Family Foundation
• The Gsr Foundation
• The Camellia Foundation
• Livingston Charitable Trust

References

• RWS Foundation official website: https://www.rws.com/about/foundation/
• The Charity Commission register entry for The RWS Foundation (1127138): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1127138&subid=0
• “The RWS Foundation launches with a renewed purpose and focus on unlocking global understanding”: https://www.rws.com/about/news/2023/the-rws-foundation/
• “Building a better future together: The RWS Foundation and CLEAR Global”: https://www.rws.com/blog/building-a-better-future-together/
• “The RWS-Brode Scholarship Initiative at the University of Manchester”: https://www.rws.com/blog/rws-brode-scholarship-initiative-at-the-university-of-manchester/