Educational Foundation of Robert Oldfield

The Foundation supports education and skills development for young people who are born or permanently resident in the Chester Area. Grants cover the costs of equipment, such as books, tools, or musical instruments; transport, including travel to educational placements, college, or training venues; and training, such as course fees for apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, or creative courses. The Foundation funds a broad spectrum of education, from academic study to creative arts and practical skills, enabling young people to pursue their chosen path. All support is provided to individuals, and the Foundation prioritises those with demonstrated financial need, ensuring that grants make a tangible difference to local young people's educational opportunities.

Grants are available to individuals only – the Foundation does not fund organisations, schools, or groups. Eligible applicants are young people who are born or permanently resident in the Chester Area, which includes Chester itself and the surrounding district. There is no religious restriction, and support is open to those pursuing academic, vocational, or creative education. The Foundation uses means-testing to assess financial need, and applicants should be able to demonstrate that their circumstances would otherwise prevent them from accessing the education or training they seek. The Foundation does not assist students attending state schools.

The Foundation does not provide assistance to students attending state schools. Grants are made to individuals rather than to organisations, so schools, colleges, clubs, or other groups are not eligible to apply. The Foundation also does not fund individuals who do not meet the residency or birth criteria in the Chester Area, or those who cannot demonstrate financial need.

The Foundation makes individual grants that are one-off in nature, intended to cover specific costs such as equipment, transport, or training fees. All awards are means-tested based on the applicant's financial circumstances. The Foundation welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible young people in the Chester Area, and each application is considered on its own merits.