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

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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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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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.
Find out moreOur impact
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£772m
Total grants made since 1961
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£40.2m
Funding spend in 2019
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£45m
Allocation to social investment
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66%
Grants for core or unrestricted costs
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About Esmée
Learn about our people, our governance and history as well as our approach to investment and see our annual reports.
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Our aims
Learn more about our impact goals and priorities for the next five years. We also share insights and learning as well as information about what we fund.
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Our support
Working in collaboration with others, we use all our tools to achieve our shared goals and to effect broader change. Learn more about our range of tools and support.
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You might be interested in
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11 January 2021
Q&A on Esmée's new strategy and how we make decisions
EVENT ON 14 JANUARY 2021: Join us for a webinar on our new strategy and put your questions to the Esmée Team.
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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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Caroline Mason awarded a damehood in New Year's Honours list
Our Chief Executive, Caroline Mason CBE, has been recognised with a damehood in the New Year's honours list
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What we're doing about diversity, equity and inclusion
This article explains where Esmée Fairbairn has got to so far, where we're headed, and pulls together our views, plans, and resources.
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