We aim to improve our natural world, secure a fairer future and strengthen the bonds in communities in the UK.

Turner Contemporary

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Celebrating 60 years of Esmée

In 2021, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation turned 60. We wanted to take some time to reflect over the last 60 years, and to celebrate the breadth of our work and all that we have achieved working with so many brilliant people and partners.

Great Crested Newt

Our Natural World

We want  to ensure that our natural world is restored and protected and that people benefit from that recovery. Working with others, we will contribute to three key impact goals: preserved and improved species health and habitats, clean and healthy freshwater, and sustainable and ethical food.

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Advocacy Academy

A Fairer Future

We want to contribute to a socially just and anti-racist society, where people have their rights protected, as well as the opportunity to speak and be heard, and the freedom to express their creativity. And across all our work in A Fairer Future, we are keen to support organisations led by the people they serve.

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Hijinx Theatre

Creative, Confident Communities

We want to strengthen the bonds in communities, helping local people to build vibrant, confident places where they can fulfil their creative, human and economic potential. Places where the local economy works better for the people who live there, where there is equality of access to arts and culture, and where communities are at the heart of change.

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Our impact

  • £1,020.5m

    Total grants made since 1961

  • £48.8m

    Funding spend in 2024

  • £60m

    Allocation to social investment

  • 66%

    Grants for core or unrestricted costs in 2024

Latest

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    We're hosting a pre-application Q&A webinar on 12 May 2025 for organisations interested in applying to Esmée for support who have questions about our application process or guidance.

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