The Spoore, Merry And Rixman Foundation

Charity Number: 309040

Annual Expenditure: £0.5M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £493,238 (2024)
  • Annual Income: £344,682 (2024)
  • Decision Time: Quarterly meetings - applications must be received 3 weeks before meeting dates
  • Grant Range: £100 - £3,500 (individuals); higher amounts for organizations
  • Geographic Focus: SL6 1-9 postcode area (Maidenhead and Bray, Berkshire)
  • Age Restriction: Under 25 years only

Contact Details

Website: www.smrfmaidenhead.org.uk

Email: clerk@smrfmaidenhead.org

Phone: 01628 683800

Postal Address: PO Box 4787, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL60 1JA

Important: Do not send applications via recorded or registered post. Use correct postage based on envelope weight and size.

Overview

The Spoore, Merry and Rixman Foundation was established in the 17th century by three benefactors - Abraham Spoore, Elizabeth Merry, and Mary Rixman - who left money derived from rents and investments to support educational purposes for local children. Over the past 350 years, the foundation has helped thousands of children and young people in the Maidenhead and Bray area. As of 2024, the foundation has an annual income of £344,682 and distributed £493,238 in grants. The charity is governed by 11 trustees, including the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (ex-officio), five representatives from RBWM Borough Council, and five co-opted trustees. The foundation's mission remains focused on providing financial assistance for education to young people under 25 who reside within the SL6 1-9 postcode area and are in financial need.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

For Individuals:

  • Higher Education Support: Up to £3,500 per annum for students from families receiving Income Support or equivalent
  • Apprenticeship Grants: £1,500 per annum for apprentices living independently; £1,000 per annum for those living at home
  • General Educational Assistance: Variable amounts for school visits, residential courses, music/arts tuition, special needs courses and aids (e.g., laptops for dyslexic students), musical instruments, sporting equipment, swimming lessons, school trips, travel and accommodation

For Schools:

  • Grants for items not funded by standard budgets, including development of school grounds, specialized equipment, lighting, staging, and musical instruments

For Youth Organizations:

  • Grants to youth clubs and organizations for young people to provide facilities that are educational in the wider sense, including youth group equipment

Special Programs:

  • Every child leaving a LEA primary school residing within the charity boundary receives a dictionary from the Trust

Priority Areas

  • Educational advancement for children and young people under 25
  • Support for low-income families (priority given to those receiving Income Support or equivalent)
  • School uniforms for eligible families
  • Higher education costs (tuition, books, tools, equipment)
  • Vocational training and apprenticeships
  • Extracurricular educational activities (music, arts, sports)
  • Special educational needs support
  • School and youth organization infrastructure and equipment

What They Don't Fund

  • Applications from individuals over 25 years of age
  • Applications from families or organizations outside the SL6 1-9 postcode area
  • Items normally provided by the Local Education Authority
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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees (2023-2027 term)

Co-opted Trustees:

  • Ian Thomas - Chairperson
  • Barbara Wielechowski - Vice Chairperson
  • Ann Redgrave
  • Grahame Fisher
  • Anthony Hill

Representative Trustees (RBWM Borough Council):

  • Philip Love
  • Jack Douglas
  • Sian Martin
  • Leo Walters
  • Gurch Singh

Ex-officio Trustee:

  • Mayor of Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

Note: No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications through three main routes:

1. Financial Assistance - Under 16 years: Available as PDF download or online web form

2. School Uniform: Available as PDF download or online web form

3. Financial Assistance - Ages 16 to 24: Available as PDF download or online web form

Application forms are available at www.smrfmaidenhead.org.uk/application-forms.html

Key Requirements:

  • Applications must be supported by a letter from a Health Visitor, Social Worker, Head Teacher, Citizens Advice Bureau Representative, or Open Kitchen representative stating they are aware of the family and financial situation
  • Families must provide an annual income statement
  • Applications from schools and youth organizations should outline the specific need and educational benefit
  • Return completed applications (with a stamped addressed envelope) to the Clerk at the postal address above

Decision Timeline

Quarterly Meetings: The trustees meet quarterly to review applications. For 2026, meetings are scheduled for:

  • January 12
  • April 13
  • July 13
  • October 12

Application Deadline: Applications must be received at least 3 weeks before each quarterly meeting date.

Notification: Applicants are notified after decisions are made at the quarterly meetings.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the foundation distributed £493,238 in 2024, indicating substantial grant-making activity relative to the geographic area (SL6 postcode area population: approximately 84,273, though only those under 25 are eligible).

Reapplication Policy

The foundation accepts applications on an ongoing basis for each quarterly meeting. There is no specific information about restrictions on reapplication, suggesting unsuccessful applicants may apply again in subsequent quarters.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's published guidance and priorities:

1. Clear Financial Need: Priority is given to families receiving Income Support or equivalent benefits. The foundation explicitly supports “persons who are in need of financial assistance for their education.”

2. Strong Third-Party Support: Applications must be supported by a professional (Health Visitor, Social Worker, Head Teacher, CAB Representative, or Open Kitchen) who can verify the family's financial situation. This requirement emphasizes the importance of having an established relationship with a supporting professional.

3. Geographic Eligibility: Strict adherence to the SL6 1-9 postcode area. Applicants outside this area will not be considered.

4. Age Compliance: All individual beneficiaries must be under 25 years of age.

5. Educational Purpose: Applications should demonstrate clear educational benefit, whether for formal education, vocational training, or broader educational development (sports, arts, music).

6. Filling Gaps in Provision: The foundation focuses on “provision of facilities not normally provided by the Local Education Authority,” so applications should demonstrate needs that aren't met by standard public provision.

7. School and Organization Applications: Should demonstrate how the grant will benefit multiple young people and provide educational value beyond standard curriculum requirements. Past examples include specialized equipment, staging, musical instruments, and school grounds development.

8. Complete Documentation: Ensure all required supporting documentation is included and the application clearly articulates the specific need and amount requested.

9. Timely Submission: Submit applications at least 3 weeks before the quarterly meeting dates to ensure consideration.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Hyperlocal Focus: This foundation exclusively serves the SL6 1-9 postcode area (Maidenhead and Bray). Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable - confirm your client's postcode before applying.
  • Strong Professional Support Required: Applications must be supported by a professional (Health Visitor, Social Worker, Head Teacher, CAB, or Open Kitchen). Build these relationships before applying.
  • Financial Need is Paramount: Priority is given to families receiving Income Support or equivalent. Be prepared to provide detailed income statements and documentation of financial circumstances.
  • Plan Around Quarterly Meetings: With only four decision points per year and a 3-week advance submission requirement, timing is critical. Mark these dates and plan applications accordingly.
  • Broad Definition of “Educational”: The foundation interprets education widely - including sports equipment, musical instruments, and youth club facilities. Don't limit applications to formal academic needs.
  • Strong Track Record: 350 years of supporting local education demonstrates stability and long-term commitment. This is a reliable funding source for the local area.
  • High Annual Giving Relative to Geography: £493,238 distributed in 2024 across a limited geographic area suggests relatively good odds for eligible applicants with strong applications.

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