Spoore, Merry and Rixman Foundation

The Foundation funds education in its widest sense. It supports individuals from low-income families with items such as school uniforms, books, laptops for special educational needs, musical instruments, sports equipment, school trips, residential courses, arts tuition, and apprenticeships. Organisational grants go to schools, youth clubs, and community groups for projects with clear educational benefits that are not covered by statutory funding, including school ground improvements, productions, and resources such as dictionaries for primary leavers. The emphasis is on economically disadvantaged youth at risk of disengagement. Geographically, support is confined to the greater Maidenhead area, including Bray, Holyport, Cox Green, and Fifield, all within SL6 postcodes in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Both individuals and organisations can apply. Eligible individuals include young people under 25 and their parents or guardians, with priority given to those from low-income families. Eligible organisations include small-to-medium local schools, youth clubs, and voluntary or community groups serving residents of the SL6 area. There are no strict income limits, but preference is given to applicants who can demonstrate genuine need and who have limited access to public funding. Applicants should be based in, or primarily serve, the greater Maidenhead area.

The Foundation does not fund core costs unless they are directly tied to education. It also excludes activities that take place outside the local area, and provision that is the statutory responsibility of local authorities. In practice, this means it steps in for the extras and enrichment opportunities that otherwise fall through the gaps.

The Foundation welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible individuals and organisations. Grants are made for specific educational items, activities, and projects rather than general running costs, and the emphasis is on filling gaps left by statutory funding.