Sir Andrew Judd Foundation

The Sir Andrew Judd Foundation is a historic charitable endowment established in 1553 through the legacy of 16th-century merchant Sir Andrew Judd, serving as the founding fund for Tonbridge School in Tonbridge, Kent. Managed by the Worshipful Company of Skinners as sole corporate trustee, its mission is to advance education exclusively at Tonbridge School, drawing from a substantial, professionally managed investment portfolio in securities and property to ensure long-term sustainability. Governed by a grants committee of Skinners' Company members with investment, governance, and school expertise, the Foundation embodies a philosophy of perpetuity, strict adherence to its original intent, and close partnership with the school to maintain its operations and accessibility.

It funds a singular thematic priority: educational advancement at Tonbridge School, supporting capital projects, building maintenance, and means-tested bursaries via the school's Foundation Awards programme to broaden access for pupils from diverse backgrounds unable to otherwise afford it. All grants benefit the school's pupils directly, with no support for external projects, organisations, or wider communities.

Eligibility is highly restricted: the Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications from any entities, as funding is allocated internally solely to Tonbridge School; external organisations or individuals are ineligible regardless of size, income, or location beyond Tonbridge, Kent. Typical annual grants exceed £2.4 million—nearly £2.7 million for the year ending June 2024—with no open application process, deadlines, or funding rounds; decisions align with the school's and trustee's cycles. Distinctively, it excludes core costs, unrestricted funding, seed grants, or any causes outside its narrow remit, setting it apart as a unique UK grantmaker dedicated unwaveringly to one institution for perpetual educational legacy.