Ernest Cook Trust
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About This Funder
The Ernest Cook Trust, founded in 1952 by Ernest Cook—grandson of travel pioneer Thomas Cook—is a leading UK educational charity with over 9,000 hectares of rural land across six English counties. Rooted in a passion for countryside conservation and lifelong learning from nature, its mission empowers disadvantaged children, young people, families, and communities—prioritizing underserved and minoritised ethnic groups—to connect with the natural world, fostering environmental stewardship, resilience, biodiversity awareness, and outdoor learning. Distinctive for blending direct land-based programmes with grantmaking, it acts as a convener and influencer on sustainability, rural wellbeing, and embedding outdoor education in schools and beyond, guided by values of collaboration, innovation, diversity, and evidence-based impact.
It funds thematic priorities in outdoor learning and environmental education, supporting hands-on nature experiences, school visits, play areas, biodiversity projects, vocational apprenticeships, equipment (e.g., outdoor clothing), transport, and capacity-building like the Green Influencers Scheme or Owl Collaboration. Key programmes include Outdoor Essentials Grants for essentials and Outdoor Learning Officer Grants for dedicated roles, targeting formal/informal settings to boost wellbeing, skills, and youth leadership.
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, CICs, community groups, state schools, and academic institutions in specific postcode areas: Cumbria/Lancashire (BB, CA, FY, LA, PR), Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Avon (GL, SN, BS, BA20-22), and Leicestershire (LE), with preference for small-to-medium entities serving disadvantaged groups; no strict income limits or religious restrictions. Applications via EOI then full online forms for open rounds (not rolling), with next Outdoor Learning Officer EOI deadline 31 October 2025; decisions in 8-12 weeks. Grants range £500–£60,000 (e.g., £500/project or up to £20,000/year for officers, multi-year possible).
Exclusions cover unrestricted core/capital funding or non-aligned activities; uniquely, its land ownership enables hybrid direct delivery and scalable partnerships, prioritizing transformational, measurable outcomes for an environmentally engaged society.
Eligibility Checklist
Funding Details
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How to apply to Ernest Cook Trust
Skip weeks of research. Write a strong application this afternoon — in your own words, with AI doing the heavy lifting.
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Describe your charity once and see how well you fit Ernest Cook Trust's priorities — scored on location, cause, size, and 3 other factors.
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Paste the application question and word limit. The co-pilot writes a first draft using your charity's real data and this funder's criteria — not generic filler. You edit every word before it leaves.
Review, refine, submit
Every answer runs through an 8-point quality check — clear ask, funder alignment, measurable outcomes, and more. You stay in control. The AI does the drafting; you make it sound like you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does Ernest Cook Trust provide?
Ernest Cook Trust typically provides grants ranging from £500 - £20,000.
Where does Ernest Cook Trust fund charities?
Ernest Cook Trust funds charities operating in Cumbria, Lancashire, Gloucestershire.
How do I apply for funding from Ernest Cook Trust?
With Fundermatcher, you describe your charity once and see your compatibility score with Ernest Cook Trust. If you're a good fit, you can start drafting your application immediately using our AI co-pilot — paste each question and word limit, and the co-pilot writes a tailored first draft using your charity's real data and Ernest Cook Trust's priorities. You review and edit every answer before submitting.
Will funders know my application was drafted with AI?
No. The co-pilot uses your charity's real name, numbers, and impact data — not generic filler or templates. Every draft reads like it was written by someone who knows your charity inside-out, because it's built on your actual profile. You edit and refine every word before it goes anywhere, so the final application sounds like you — because it is.
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