Michael Cohen Trust

The Michael Cohen Trust is a charitable foundation established by Sir Ronald Cohen in memory of his father, Michael Cohen, with a singular mission to support education exclusively at Exeter College, University of Oxford. Rooted in values of academic excellence, legacy-building, and sustained higher education access, the Trust embodies a highly focused philanthropic approach, channeling all resources into enhancing opportunities for students and academics at this historic UK institution through scholarships, bursaries, academic resources, and infrastructural support.

It funds targeted educational initiatives at Exeter College only, prioritizing projects that maximize access and excellence for its community, with no support for broader causes, other colleges, or external organizations. Beneficiaries are strictly students, faculty, and college-led programs, reflecting a narrow charitable object defined in its governing documents.

Eligibility is limited to Exeter College, University of Oxford—an academic institution based in Oxford, England—with no openness to other entities, regardless of size, income, or location. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding follows an internal trustee-approved annual plan, with no public process, deadlines, or competitive rounds.

Typical grants range from £160,000 to £225,000 annually, distributed directly to the college without variation. Distinctively, the Trust stands apart as one of the UK's most institution-specific funders, excluding all unrelated charities, core costs outside predefined needs, or non-Oxford activities, ensuring unwavering, reliable support solely for Exeter College's enduring educational mission.