Educational Foundation of Robert Oldfield

The Educational Foundation of Robert Oldfield, established in 1695 through the will of Dr Robert Oldfield, is a historic grant-making charity rooted in Chester, originally aiding poor boys in St Michael's Parish and now dedicated to advancing education for young people under 25 born or permanently resident in the Chester district. Governed by unpaid trustees including local parish representatives, its mission emphasizes means-tested financial support to overcome barriers, fostering equity, social mobility, and community benefit through stewardship of endowment assets like investments and property.

It funds a broad spectrum of educational needs, including tuition fees, maintenance, books, equipment, educational trips, arts and music enrichment, and apprenticeships for individuals, as well as grants to further education institutions, apprenticeships, and organizations benefiting eligible youth. Priorities include pupils at King's School, Queen's School, and Hammond School in Chester (rarely state schools), with support for both academic pursuits and vocational training to enable tangible opportunities otherwise inaccessible.

Eligible applicants are individuals under 25 meeting residency/birth criteria in Cheshire West & Chester or Cheshire East, plus academic institutions and community groups with local focus and demonstrated financial need—no religious restrictions or strict income limits apply, though smaller entities are preferred. Unsolicited applications are accepted via email or post with forms from the website, due annually by 1 May; trustees review at a late May/June meeting, notifying outcomes in summer. Grants typically range £200–£5,000 (most £400–£1,500 for individuals), totaling ~£98,000 yearly.

Distinctive for its 300+ year local legacy, hyper-focused Chester remit, and holistic backing of academic, vocational, and creative education—excluding core/capital costs unrelated to eligible youth—this funder stands out for enabling grassroots impact in a tightly defined community.