Next Step Foundation
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nextstep.foundationAbout Next Step Foundation
Next Step Foundation is a UK-registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation, established in 2016 by Bonas Macfarlane. Its mission is to advance education for public benefit by helping high-ability students from underprivileged backgrounds gain places at the UK's most selective universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions. The Foundation champions educational meritocracy and social mobility, working to bridge resource gaps in disadvantaged schools. It draws on Bonas Macfarlane's tutoring expertise to deliver a structured, evidence-based model of support. The Foundation's approach combines academic challenge, admissions guidance, and enrichment activities, all delivered through partnerships with state schools.
What Next Step Foundation funds
The Foundation supports access to selective university education for high-ability students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Its core programme provides individualised academic challenges, admissions guidance, enrichment, and skill-building to raise aspirations and competitiveness. The work focuses on holistic preparation that supplements school limitations, particularly in state secondary schools and multi-academy trusts across the UK. The Foundation's interventions are targeted at underrepresented secondary school students, helping them navigate the competitive admissions process for the most selective universities. The supported activities are delivered in-kind through school partnerships, rather than as cash grants.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK academic institutions, specifically state secondary schools and multi-academy trusts. The Foundation partners with schools that serve disadvantaged, high-potential pupils. There are no income thresholds or size restrictions, but schools must be able to nominate students who meet widening participation criteria. The Foundation prioritises schools with limited capacity to offer the level of academic challenge and admissions support needed for selective university entry. Applications are by nomination only; unsolicited applications are not accepted.
What Next Step Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not fund generalist education, non-UK entities, or traditional grant requests from charities or the public. It does not accept unsolicited applications or cash awards. Only partner schools can nominate students; the Foundation does not consider direct applications from individuals or organisations without an established partnership. Programme support is provided in-kind, not as financial grants.
How they like to fund
The Foundation offers its programme in-kind to partner schools, rather than providing cash grants. It does not accept unsolicited applications or traditional grant requests. Funding is delivered through ongoing collaborations with UK state schools and multi-academy trusts, leveraging the Foundation's tutoring expertise in a direct, structured model.
How much does Next Step Foundation give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Next Step Foundation’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
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Good to know
How to apply to Next Step Foundation
Next Step 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.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Next Step Foundation.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
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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 the UK.
Does Next Step Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Next Step Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Next Step Foundation?
Next Step Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
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