The Stationers' Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £350,000+ (aiming for £500,000 by 2030)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by program (typically 2-4 months)
• Grant Range: £500 - £9,000 (individual grants)
• Geographic Focus: United Kingdom

Contact Details

Website: www.stationers.org

Phone: 020 7246 0990

Email: foundation@stationers.org

Education enquiries: education@stationers.org

Overview

The Stationers' Foundation (Charity No. 1198494, registered April 2022) is the education charity of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, the City of London Livery Company for the communication and content industries. With over 600 years of heritage supporting causes linked to these sectors, the Foundation now distributes over £350,000 annually in grants with ambitious plans to reach £500,000 by 2030. Under the leadership of Chairman Nicholas Brealey (appointed July 2023), the Foundation focuses on widening access to its educational 'Staircase of Opportunity' while maintaining strong support for welfare needs within the communications and content industries.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Postgraduate Bursary Scheme: £9,000 per student (fee discount) - Up to 16 bursaries annually for specific MA/MSc programs at partner universities
• Financial Assistance Awards: Variable amounts based on need - Annual support for UK students entering communications/content industries (Deadline: 31 July)
• Francis Mathew Travel Award: Travel scholarships for UK students (Deadline: 31 March)
• Pilot Internship Scheme: Living wage for 6-week internships (New for 2025, Deadline: 31 October)
• Welfare Fund: One-off and annual grants for individuals in hardship from the industry
• Saturday Schools: Funding for two schools in Kings Cross and Somers Town (50 children total)
• Organisational Grants: Support for institutions and charities aligned with Foundation objectives

Priority Areas

• Education in communications and content industries
• Support for disadvantaged children's education
• Welfare relief for industry professionals and dependants
• Bookbinding qualifications for wounded veterans (Bound by Veterans program)
• Lord Mayor's charities and Royal Marines support

What They Don't Fund

• International students paying international fees
• General education outside communications/content industries
• Projects without UK benefit

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Governance and Leadership

Chairman Nicholas Brealey leads the Foundation with a Board of Trustees, having previously served as Vice-Chair and trustee for the Postgraduate Bursary Scheme since joining the Livery in 2017. He is committed to "widening access to the Foundation's educational 'Staircase of Opportunity', encouraging its alumni and extending external relationships." The Foundation manages multiple funds including the Main Fund for educational and welfare payments, and the Stationers' Community Fund supporting Trade Benevolent Societies and civic appeals.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Postgraduate Bursaries: Apply through course director at partner universities (Cardiff, City St George's, Westminster, Kingston). Applications require academic and personal references, with shortlisted candidates interviewed at Stationers' Hall.

Welfare Fund: Write to Katie Dare, Education Coordinator, at Stationers' Hall, Ave Maria Lane, London EC4M 7DD, or email education@stationers.org

Financial Assistance/Travel Awards: Contact education@stationers.org for application forms

Decision Timeline

• Postgraduate bursaries: Decisions made after interviews (typically 2-3 months from application)
• Other awards: Varies by program and application deadline
• Welfare grants: Case-by-case basis

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Information not publicly available - contact Foundation directly

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's stated priorities and approach:

• Demonstrate clear connection to communications and content industries
• Show genuine financial need alongside academic merit
• For postgraduate bursaries, quality of application and interview performance are critical
• Preference given to those with connections to the Stationers' Company (former pupils, children of members)
• Early career stage candidates preferred for educational programs
• Strong references from both academic and personal sources required

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Foundation has recently expanded support, becoming a Journalism Diversity Fund supporter with £9,000 initial donation
• Multiple application deadlines throughout the year - plan accordingly
• Strong focus on mentoring alongside financial support for bursary recipients
• Welfare fund available for emergency support - flexible approach to industry professionals in crisis
• Growing ambition with plans to increase annual giving by over 40% by 2030
• Partner university relationships provide structured pathway for postgraduate support
• No public application process for some programs - relationships and direct contact important

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• The Charities Aid Foundation
• Army Benevolent Fund
• THE LORD MAYOR'S APPEAL
• HOME TRUST
• Salesforce

References

• The Stationers' Foundation official website (www.stationers.org) -
• UK Charity Commission Register - Charity Numbers 1198494 and 1120963 -
• “The Stationers Foundation Announced as New Journalism Diversity Fund Supporter” - Stationers' Company News - 2024
• Cardiff University funding pages - Stationers' Foundation bursaries information -
• City St George's, University of London - Stationers Company Bursary Scheme -
• National Council for the Training of Journalists - JDF partnership announcement - 2024