Amar-Franses and Foster-Jenkins Trust

The Amar-Franses and Foster-Jenkins Trust is an independent UK grant-making charity established in 2019, driven by the Amar family's philanthropic vision to advance education, the arts, and sciences through strategic grants to academic institutions, cultural organisations, and select individuals. Guided by values of access, excellence, innovation, and long-term impact, it empowers talent development, institutional sustainability, and creative expression via a familial board of trustees, favouring proactive, merit-based investments over broad dispersal.

It prioritises scholarships, bursaries, and multi-year support for leading entities like the National Opera Studio, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Slade School of Fine Art, and primary schools such as Booker Hill. Funding backs artist training, postgraduate studies, plant science research, facility enhancements, and capacity-building programmes at the intersection of education, performing/visual arts, and biodiversity.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or academic institutions, primarily in England (though not strictly limited), with a preference for large, established organisations boasting robust governance and proven delivery; no formal income thresholds apply, but it targets high-impact players. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding is invitation-only or via partner-administered scholarships (e.g., Emily Holmes at Kew, Michael James at UCL)—with trustee decisions adhoc and no public deadlines.

Distinctively, it avoids direct people/communities support, emergency aid, or unrestricted grants, instead delivering substantial awards: £1,000–£8,000 annually for individuals, £30,000+ (often six figures) multi-year for institutions. This sets it apart as a discreet, high-value benefactor fostering enduring partnerships in UK talent pipelines.