Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
A major UK independent funder of organisations working on social change, the environment and the arts.
Region
UK-wide
Typical award
Typically £30,000 – £200,000+, often multi-year
Funds core costs
Yes — including unrestricted and capacity funding
Multi-year
Yes — multi-year is common
Focus areas
Eligibility
- Registered UK charities and CIOs
- Other not-for-profits including CICs, considered case-by-case
Application process
A single-stage online enquiry form. If Esmée wants to take the conversation further they invite a full proposal.
What this funder looks for
- Organisations led by people with relevant lived experience
- Systemic, long-term change rather than service delivery alone
- Honest reflection on what's working and what isn't
Application tips
- Frame your enquiry around the change you're working towards, not the activity.
- Be clear about what makes the work distinctive and why now.
- Esmée values learning culture — show how you adapt based on what you learn.
Application questions
Where funders publish application questions or guidance, Serin helps surface available requirements inside the platform. We do not claim to hold every question for every funder — always check the funder's own guidance for the current application form.
Frequently asked questions
Can CICs apply?
Yes — Esmée accepts CICs and other not-for-profits, considered case-by-case.
Does Esmée fund core costs?
Yes, including unrestricted and capacity-building support.
View Esmée Fairbairn Foundation inside Serin
Where funders publish application questions and guidance, Serin surfaces them inside the platform — so you can prepare, draft and submit your application in one workflow rather than starting from a blank page.
Application information varies by funder. Always confirm current criteria on the funder's own website.