Buckinghamshire Grants Schools Access Fund

SCHOOLS ACCESS FUND Waddesdon Manor and the Rothschild Foundation have jointly launched a Schools Access Fund with the purpose of subsidising and promoting learning sessions for schools. Together we aim to support well-being, enhance creative learning and enrich how schools teach the arts curriculum. We want to encourage new school audiences to experience Waddesdon and to take part in the Learning Department’s workshops and projects. Since school closures have significantly disrupted education and external visits have been restricted during the coronavirus pandemic, the Schools Access Fund has been set up to support learning and nurture the well-being of students.

Schools can bring any number of pupils from any year group to visit Waddesdon and take part in a facilitator led, interactive, curriculum linked workshop (lasting from 10am until 2pm), in the academic year starting in September 2021. Visits may focus on the heritage of the Manor or may take place in Waddesdon’s formal gardens and outdoor spaces. We encourage applications for students of all key stages to visit, as well as pre-schools and colleges. We also welcome engagement with Alternative Provision, Pupil Referral Units and SEND schools.

KEY DETAILS Applications are made on a rolling basis and you will hear if your application has been successful within 12 weeks. Applications to the Schools Access Fund should be led by the recipient of the funding whether that is a school or a Parent Teacher Association or other charity connected to the school. The bursary can cover transport costs, workshop fees, Education Group Membership for your school and staff costs, to a maximum of £750. The budget allocated to the Schools Access Fund is limited so please only apply for what your school needs. Please be aware that you will be asked to complete an evaluation form after your visit to Waddesdon. We value your feedback as it informs both our grant-making priorities and develops the Learning Team’s offer to schools.

WHAT WE OFFER Organisations which are formally constituted but not listed with a regulator, such as the Charity Commission or Companies House, can apply for smaller one year grants. Organisations registered with a regulating body can apply for grants for up to three years. We fund specific projects and core costs. We can’t replace lost income or reimburse activity which has already taken place. We also make capital grants but prefer to not be the only funder. Apply anytime. There’s no application deadline. A partnership approach.

WHO CAN APPLY? We fund not-for-profit organisations which deliver activity that is legally charitable and for public benefit. Applicants should provide a governing document or constitution for their organisation. Organisations providing a service to residents in the county of Buckinghamshire can apply. We don’t fund in Milton Keynes or neighbouring counties. We prioritise small and medium sized organisations with income of under £1 million annually. Funded organisations must hold a bank account in their own name. Holders of current Local and Community or Impact grants may not apply until the end of their funded project and all reports have been shared with us. Current Covid-19 Support Fund Grantees may apply so long as their new proposal does not duplicate existing support.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We are only able to accept applications from schools who meet all of the following criteria: -Your school must be based in the Unitary Authority of Buckinghamshire (we are therefore unable to accept applications from schools based in Milton Keynes). -Schools must be state funded. Non selective schools will be given priority.

WHAT WE DON'T FUND For-profit organisations and businesses cannot apply for funding. We also don’t fund promotion of religion, overseas travel, animal welfare and campaigns. A full list of funding exclusions can be found in our FAQs.