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

Turner Contemporary

We've launched a new strategy, which will focus our work on three interdependent aims.

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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 just and anti-racist society, where those most likely to have their rights denied have those rights protected, as well as the opportunity to speak and be heard, and the freedom to express their creativity.  We want to shine new light on areas of need and challenge the cultures, systems and behaviours that stand in the way of change.

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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

  • £772m

    Total grants made since 1961

  • £40.2m

    Funding spend in 2019

  • £45m

    Allocation to social investment

  • 66%

    Grants for core or unrestricted costs

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Flexible funder pledge with IVAR

Open and trusting grant-making

We are part of a community of funders committed to open and trusting grant-making, a campaign coordinated by the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR).

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Latest

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    26 March 2021

    Increasing our funding for racial justice: a first step

    We are offering organisations in our portfolio that are led by and for racialised communities additional unrestricted funding. A total of £2m has been made available, which will be split equally between the organisations that meet the criteria for this funding.

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  • Devon Wildlife Trust, Caen Wetlands

    Innovative funding to restore nature

    Watch our webinar to learn about the challenges and opportunities of innovative finance models for restoring nature from Devon Wildlife Trust, Moors for the Future, National Farmers Union, The Rivers Trust and Triodos Bank.

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  • Strategic plan 2020-2025.png

    Q&A on Esmée's new strategy and how we make decisions

    Watch our webinar on our new strategy and how we make decisions. The Esmée Team also share more detail around our impact goals and priorities under each aim.

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  • Esmée Fairbairn Foundation welcomes two new trustees

    Esmée Fairbairn Foundation welcomes two new Trustees

    We are thrilled to welcome two new Trustees to Esmée's Board: Professor Claire Alexander and Dr Wanda Wyporska.

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