Buffini Chao Foundation

Could Buffini Chao Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £3,000 – £50,000
Applications: Not accepted

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

Check fit free · no card

About Buffini Chao Foundation

The Buffini Chao Foundation is a family philanthropic vehicle established in 2005 by Sir Damon Buffini and Lady Debbie Buffini. Dedicated to promoting education and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people, it is rooted in the belief that a broad education—encompassing academic, artistic, sporting, and civic dimensions—levels the playing field. The foundation pursues active, hands-on philanthropy, led by Lady Debbie Buffini as Chair. It emphasises lasting impact, ongoing grantee engagement, and robust governance. Its funding character is curated, relationship-driven, and flexible, focusing on transformative opportunities for underrepresented youth.

What Buffini Chao Foundation funds

The foundation funds projects that advance educational access, arts and culture, music, sports and outdoor challenges, literacy, talent development, youth leadership, and scholarships. It has supported programmes such as Young V&A, National Theatre Connections, World Heart Beat, The Wave Project, Schoolreaders, the Royal Ballet School, and the Elevate Acting Scholarship for underrepresented actors. Support is available for both organisations and individuals across England and Wales. Funding covers project costs and core costs, with a flexible thematic focus on creating transformative opportunities for children, teens, and young adults from low-income or minority ethnic backgrounds.

Who can apply

Eligible organisations include UK-registered charities and community groups, and the foundation also supports individuals through scholarships and programmes. It prioritises children, teens, and young adults from low-income or minority ethnic backgrounds. Organisations should have a strong track record, capacity, and robust governance. No formal income thresholds apply, and smaller grassroots groups may qualify if they align with the foundation's mission.

What Buffini Chao Foundation doesn't fund

The foundation does not fund activities or initiatives that fall outside its focus on transformative opportunities for underrepresented youth. It does not support non-aligned priorities, such as general community projects that do not specifically target disadvantaged children and young people in education, arts, sports, or leadership.

How they like to fund

The foundation operates a curated, relationship-driven model and does not accept unsolicited applications. It emphasises proactive trustee-led research and personal networks to identify potential grantees. Funding is available for both projects and core costs, with an emphasis on lasting impact and ongoing grantee engagement. The foundation works through invitations and partnerships rather than open calls.

How much does Buffini Chao Foundation give?

£3,000 – £50,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Children & youthEducationArts & cultureSport & recreation

How to apply to Buffini Chao Foundation

Buffini Chao Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Buffini Chao Foundation.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Buffini Chao Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Buffini Chao Foundation provide?

Buffini Chao Foundation typically provides grants of £3,000 - £50,000.

Where does Buffini Chao Foundation fund charities?

Buffini Chao Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Buffini Chao Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Buffini Chao Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Buffini Chao Foundation?

Buffini Chao Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.