British Schools and Universities Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $15.3 million (2024 revenue)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Varies by institution
• Geographic Focus: British Commonwealth educational institutions

Contact Details

• Website: bsuf.org
• Email: exec@BSUF.org
• Phone: Not provided
• Address: 641 Lexington Ave 15th Floor, New York NY 10022-4503

Overview

The British Schools and Universities Foundation Inc (BSUF) was founded in 1965 as a nonprofit, tax-exempt foundation dedicated to supporting school and university fundraising in the Commonwealth through tax-effective giving in the United States. With total assets of approximately $4.44 million and annual revenue of $15.3 million (2024), BSUF has distributed over $103 million in grants to 551 institutions since its inception. The foundation operates entirely through volunteers who receive no compensation, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to institutional grants. Operating expenses are covered through investments, member dues, and designated contributions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

BSUF provides grants to educational, scientific, and literary organizations within the British Commonwealth. The foundation serves as a conduit for US-based donors to support Commonwealth institutions with tax-deductible contributions.

Priority Areas

• Primary and secondary schools in the UK and Commonwealth
• Universities and colleges, including Oxford and Cambridge
• Specialized educational institutions (music and drama schools)
• Cultural and educational foundations
• Scientific and literary organizations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation appears to exclusively support British Commonwealth educational institutions and does not fund US-based organizations or non-Commonwealth institutions.

Governance and Leadership

• David Lipson - Chairman of the Board
• Roger H Martin - Executive Director
• Reverend James G Callaway - Director

The foundation operates with an all-volunteer board that receives no compensation, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing funds available for grants.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Institutions must complete an "approval application form" to become partner organizations eligible to receive grants. The foundation maintains a list of over 200 approved partner institutions. Organizations that have not received donations in several years must update their approval status.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation appears to work primarily through a donor-advised model where US donors direct contributions to specific Commonwealth institutions. Institutions not currently on the partner list can contact the foundation at exec@BSUF.org to inquire about the approval process.

Decision Timeline

Specific timeline information is not publicly available.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Institutions that have not received donations in several years must update their approval to maintain eligibility.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's structure and mission:

• Institution must be located in the British Commonwealth
• Educational, scientific, or literary focus required
• Established relationship with US-based donors beneficial
• Clear educational mission alignment
• Demonstration of impact and institutional credibility

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• BSUF operates as a conduit foundation facilitating US donor support for Commonwealth institutions
• The foundation does not appear to have a traditional competitive grant application process
• Success depends on cultivating relationships with US-based donors who can direct gifts through BSUF
• 100% pass-through rate ensures maximum impact of donations
• All-volunteer operation demonstrates commitment to efficiency
• Long history (since 1965) and substantial grant distribution ($103 million) indicates stability and reliability
• Institutions must maintain active approval status to remain eligible

References

• BSUF Official Website: bsuf.org (Accessed January 2025)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - British Schools and Universities Foundation Inc (EIN: 136161189): projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/136161189 (Accessed January 2025)
• BSUF Partner Institutions Page: bsuf.org/partners (Accessed January 2025)
• CauseIQ Organization Profile: causeiq.com/organizations/british-schools-and-universities-founda,136161189/ (Accessed January 2025)