Individual Grants
Individual Grants 

Introduction

This page is about the grants we offer to Individuals. This fund is about awarding grants to help young people in and around Taunton achieve their goals.

The fund aims to support accredited education and training routes including Higher Education, the Performing Arts, Sports, Apprenticeships and other employment, and to widen participation in different academic subjects and educational activities. 

Who can apply for this money?

You should only apply for money from this fund if you:
• are aged 11 to 24, 
• are experiencing financial pressure and need funding to help you achieve your goal in life.
• live in or go to a state funded school in the former Borough of Taunton Deane (the area shown in red on this map,) or
• still have a family home in the former Borough of Taunton Deane but now attend university somewhere else. 

Anyone who meets the above criteria can apply however, we prioritise applications from people who currently live and attend a state funded school in the former Borough of Taunton Deane, and we also prioritise applications from people who attend or have previously attended Bishop Fox’s School. 

Ask us if you’re not sure if you are eligible.

What can I use this money for?

We’re interested in supporting you to pay for things like:
• books on your college or university reading list.
• specialist equipment needed for your area of study such as a laptop 
• tools and clothing to help you undertake an apprenticeship.
• fees and other costs when studying certain accredited courses that are not eligible for a student loan .
• costs associated with progressing in a sport or taking part in competitions.
• costs associated with pursuing a recognised talent.
• equipment or other costs associated with trips or expeditions (please note will we only normally make a nominal contribution towards trips outside of the UK)  

This isn’t everything we can help you with, but whatever you ask for it must help you learn new things and progress in your life.

What can’t I use this money for?

• Fees for courses that are eligible for a student loan 
• Accommodation costs (unless in exceptional circumstances). 
• Buying books that aren’t on your college or university reading list. 
• Things that were not specified in your application.
• Things that you already have the financial means to pay for.
• Events that have already happened or things that have already been paid for. 

How much can I ask for?

There is no specific amount that you can ask for, however our aim is to support as many young people as possible. What you ask for should therefore: 

• Be reasonable – it should clearly link to achieving your goal. 
• Be proportionate – it should reflect what you ‘need’ to achieve your goal rather than just what you would ‘like’.  
• Reflect your financial situation – you should ask for an amount that relates directly to your financial circumstances. For example, if you already have some of the money you need, then you should only ask for the remainder.  

How much is available?

We have a limited amount of money to give out, which usually totals around £100,000 a year.

When do I have to apply?

You can apply whenever you like, but we only make decisions 4 times a year. 

Closing date for applications: 
24th May 2024
23rd August 2024
6th December 2024

Please note: It can take up to 10 weeks from the application deadline all the way through to payment, so you should plan in advance and submit your application well ahead of when you will need the money. 

You will need to provide details for a Sponsor who can support your application. Your sponsor should know you well and fully understand your application including what you want to achieve. They should be able to comment on the reasons why you would be suitable for a grant, and if you have a special talent they should be able tell us about it.   

How likely is it that you’ll give me some money?

We award as many grants as we can, however we never have enough money to support everyone who applies to us. When we have lots of applications, we will consider an applicant’s financial situation as well as how closely the application fits our eligibility criteria. 

Where does the money come from?

The Foundation is closely linked to Bishop Fox’s School, which dates to 1522. 

The school moved to new premises in 1940 and the old school buildings were sold. The money from this sale was invested by the Foundation, and the income from these investments is now used to provide grants. 

We can only support people with connections to the former Borough of Taunton Deane. The Borough hasn’t existed since 2019, but we still use this to decide who can and cannot apply.


Apply Now

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