Michael Cohen Trust
Could Michael Cohen Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £160,000 – £225,000
- Applications
- Existing partners only
- Decisions
- Once per year
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Michael Cohen Trust
The Michael Cohen Trust is a charitable foundation created by Sir Ronald Cohen in memory of his father, Michael Cohen. Its singular mission is to support education exclusively at Exeter College, University of Oxford. The Trust is rooted in values of academic excellence, legacy-building, and sustained higher education access. It channels all resources into enhancing opportunities for students and academics at this historic institution. The Trust's funding character is highly focused and institution-specific, with all support directed toward Exeter College's educational initiatives. This approach reflects a deep commitment to one academic community, ensuring that every contribution helps further the college's enduring mission.
What Michael Cohen Trust funds
The Trust funds targeted educational initiatives at Exeter College, University of Oxford. Supported activities include scholarships, bursaries, academic resources, and infrastructural support. Priority is given to projects that maximise access and excellence for the college community. The Trust's focus is solely on this single institution, and all funding is directed towards enhancing the educational experience of its students and faculty. The geographic scope is limited to Exeter College in Oxford, England.
Who can apply
Eligibility is limited to Exeter College, University of Oxford, as an academic institution. The Trust's beneficiaries are strictly students, faculty, and college-led programmes. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding follows an internal trustee-approved annual plan. The Trust does not consider requests from other organisations, regardless of their size, income, or location. This narrow focus is defined in the Trust's governing documents, ensuring that all support is directed exclusively to its intended community.
What Michael Cohen Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund unrelated charities, core costs outside predefined needs, or activities not connected to Exeter College. It excludes other colleges within Oxford University, external organisations, and any projects beyond the scope of its educational mission. No support is given for non-Oxford activities or for general operating costs that are not part of the agreed-upon initiatives.
How they like to fund
The Trust funds through an internal trustee-approved annual plan, with grants distributed directly to Exeter College. It does not accept unsolicited applications and works solely by invitation, maintaining a long-term partnership with the college. The funding is consistent and reliable, directed entirely to the college's educational initiatives without variation.
How much does Michael Cohen Trust give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
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 Michael Cohen Trust
Michael Cohen Trust 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 once per year.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Michael Cohen Trust.
- 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 Michael Cohen Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Michael Cohen Trust provide?
Michael Cohen Trust typically provides grants of £160,000 - £225,000.
Where does Michael Cohen Trust fund charities?
Michael Cohen Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Michael Cohen Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Michael Cohen Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Michael Cohen Trust?
Michael Cohen Trust 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.
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Could Michael Cohen Trust be a fit?
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