Isabel Blackman Foundation

The Isabel Blackman Foundation, established in 1967 by the late Isabel Blackman, is a charitable trust dedicated to advancing education and social wellbeing exclusively in Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex. Rooted in the founder's deep local legacy, it empowers grassroots individuals and organisations through targeted grants that foster educational achievement, community inclusion, cultural expression, and support for vulnerable groups, emphasising sustainable impact on local life via opportunity, cohesion, and holistic wellbeing.

It funds a broad spectrum of priorities, including bursaries for further/higher education (mature/postgraduate students), cultural/recreational activities (theatres, museums, sports clubs, outings), health/disability services (mental health, rehabilitation), Christian religious initiatives, youth/elderly services (scouts, guides, isolation prevention), environmental conservation, animal welfare, school improvements, and core/project costs for community/housing associations. Beneficiaries span individuals (students, carers), UK-registered charities, community groups, academic institutions, and religious bodies, all resident or based in the area for at least three years.

Eligible applicants must meet this strict three-year local residency rule, with a preference for small/medium grassroots entities; no formal income thresholds apply. Grants typically range from £500 to £5,000 as one-off awards for projects, equipment, or bursaries. Unsolicited applications require a detailed letter sent by post to 13 Laton Road, Hastings, TN34 2ES, with reviews three times yearly—next deadline 5pm, 10 January 2025 (decisions in 2-3 months). No online/email or rolling applications.

Distinctively hyper-local and responsive, it avoids non-local or emergency funding, prioritising overlooked community needs over larger national streams, with transparent governance by experienced local trustees ensuring direct, lasting benefits.