Next Step Foundation
About This Funder
Next Step Foundation, a UK-registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation established in 2016 by Bonas Macfarlane, advances education for public benefit by supporting high-ability students from underprivileged backgrounds to access undergraduate programmes at the UK's most selective universities, such as Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions. Governed by trustees including D Wellesley-Wesley and C Bonas, its mission emphasises educational meritocracy, social mobility, and equalising opportunities by bridging resource gaps in disadvantaged schools. Distinctively, it leverages Bonas Macfarlane's tutoring expertise in a structured, evidence-based model, with proven outcomes like 32%+ Oxbridge acceptance rates rivaling top independent schools.
The Foundation prioritises targeted support for underrepresented secondary school students, defined by UK widening participation criteria, through its core 10-month online university preparation programme. This high-touch intervention, curated by expert tutors, provides individualised academic challenges, admissions guidance, enrichment, and skill-building to raise aspirations and competitiveness. Beneficiaries are nominated via partnerships with UK state schools and multi-academy trusts, focusing on holistic preparation that supplements school limitations rather than broader infrastructure.
Eligibility is limited to UK academic institutions, particularly state secondary schools and multi-academy trusts nationwide, with no income thresholds or size restrictions but a requirement for serving disadvantaged, high-potential pupils. It does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional grants, or cash awards—instead offering in-kind programme delivery through ongoing school collaborations coordinated annually. No deadlines, funding rounds, or meetings apply for external entities. Exclusions include generalist education, non-UK entities, public/charity grant requests, and non-partner nominations; its specialist elite-access focus and direct-impact model set it apart for charities seeking school-partnered university progression initiatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does Next Step Foundation provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Next Step Foundation directly for current funding levels.
Where does Next Step Foundation fund charities?
Next Step Foundation funds charities operating in UK.
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