Horne Foundation
Could Horne Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Horne Foundation
The Horne Foundation is a grant-making charity established in 1981 by the Horne family. Its mission centres on advancing education through investments in infrastructure, initiatives, and student support, primarily in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. The foundation's ethos emphasises educational opportunity and long-term community benefit. It is in a wind-down phase, planning to distribute remaining assets to aligned educational charities before closing. In its wind-down phase it prioritises high-impact, time-limited interventions over ongoing grant-making.
What Horne Foundation funds
The foundation funds transformational educational capital developments for institutions, such as new buildings and facilities. It also supports recurring local projects and bursaries for local students, channelled through schools in Northamptonshire. Both large institutions and small grassroots groups benefit from this support. The focus remains on regional educational enhancement, with grants spanning from major infrastructure to smaller community efforts. Exceptional national grants may occur at trustee discretion, but the primary emphasis is on Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.
Who can apply
Eligible organisations are UK-registered charities and academic institutions based in Northamptonshire or Oxfordshire. There are no income thresholds, so both large and small entities are considered. However, the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Awards are made proactively, with trustees directly contacting organisations they wish to support.
What Horne Foundation doesn't fund
The foundation avoids funding non-educational causes. It does not provide general public funds or direct support to individuals. Grants are not made for activities outside the defined geographic focus of Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.
How they like to fund
The foundation operates on an invite-only basis, with trustees selecting recipients through direct contact. It favours high-impact, time-limited interventions rather than ongoing commitments. As it is in a wind-down phase, it is distributing remaining assets to aligned educational charities, aiming to maximise its final educational legacy.
How much does Horne Foundation give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Horne Foundation’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Horne Foundation
Horne 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.
- Decisions are typically as needed.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Horne Foundation.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Horne Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Horne Foundation provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Horne Foundation directly for current funding levels.
Where does Horne Foundation fund charities?
Horne Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Horne Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Horne Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Horne Foundation?
Horne Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
Browse related grants
Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.
Could Horne Foundation be a fit?
Check free — then find open funders like them.