As we develop our strategy for A Fairer Future, we will close to new applications - in funding priorities for A Fairer Future only - from January to May 2022. We remain open to applications in Our Natural World and Creative, Confident Communities.
To respond to the critical issues facing our society, Esmée's new strategy has three aims: improving Our Natural World, securing A Fairer Future, and nurturing Creative, Confident Communities.
In October 2020, we started by outlining our full plans for Our Natural World, and then updated our strategy for Creative, Confident Communities in November 2021. We are now in the final stages of identifying how Esmée could make the most effective contribution to A Fairer Future.
We are at a key point in deciding our direction in A Fairer Future up to 2025, and will temporarily be closing to new applications under the funding priorities for A Fairer Future from 5pm on 19 January.
Updating our strategy for A Fairer Future
Although we haven’t yet finalised our strategy, we do know that it will cover fewer areas of work. By focusing on fewer funding priorities, we will ensure that Esmée can make the most effective contribution. We’ll also be able to identify areas where we can take action ourselves to unlock the change we want to see.
We aim to publish our updated strategy for A Fairer Future in May 2022 and will reopen to applications then.
After a very busy 2021 we have a significant number of funding proposals already in our pipeline and we will continue to assess these and make funding decisions using our current strategy for A Fairer Future. Please note, however, that competition for funding is currently very strong.
We remain open to applications under Our Natural World, and Creative, Confident Communities.
What does this mean for you: FAQs
- I have not yet submitted an application
I want to apply, and my work fits your current A Fairer Future impact goals and funding priorities, but I haven’t yet submitted an Expression of Interest
We recommend you delay applying under A Fairer Future until we launch our new strategy in May 2022. We will be more likely to invite full proposals when we are sure of our new strategic priorities, and Expressions of Interest submitted now are much less likely to be successful. If you need to apply now, we will be closing to new Expressions of Interest on 19 January at 5pm.
I have already been invited to submit an Expression of Interest by a Funding Manager under A Fairer Future
If you’ve been invited to submit an Expression of Interest under A Fairer Future, but have not yet sent anything in, we recommend you delay applying until we launch our new strategy in May 2022. We will be more likely to invite full proposals when we are sure of our new strategic priorities, and Expressions of Interest submitted now are much less likely to be successful. If you need to apply now, we will be closing to new Expressions of Interest on 19 January at 5pm.
My work fits both your current A Fairer Future impact goals and funding priorities as well as those under Creative, Confident Communities or Our Natural World. Can I still apply under Creative, Confident Communities or Our Natural World?
We continue to be open for applications under Our Natural World and Creative, Confident Communities. However, competition for funding continues to be strong across all our work. To have the best chance of your application progressing, it will need to be a strong match for our impact goals under Our Natural World or Creative, Confident Communities. Our Guidance for Support outlines what we’re looking for under each strategic aim. If your work is a much better fit for our current A Fairer Future impact goals and priorities, we recommend you delay applying until we launch our new strategy in May 2022. We will be more likely to invite full proposals when we are sure of our new strategic priorities, and Expressions of Interest submitted now are much less likely to be successful. If you need to apply now, we will be closing to new Expressions of Interest on 19 January at 5pm.
- I have already submitted an application
I have submitted a full proposal but not yet heard anything
If you have submitted a full proposal, we will continue with the assessment process as outlined in the email you were sent, alongside our Guidance for Support. We will continue to make funding decisions using our current A Fairer Future strategy, and competition for funding will continue to be strong.
I have already submitted an Expression of Interest but not yet heard anything
If you have recently submitted an Expression of Interest, thank you - we will assess it using our current A Fairer Future strategy. However, competition for funding will continue to be strong. If you are not invited to submit a full proposal, we do recommend checking back on our revised strategy in May 2022 to see if your work is a good fit. We will be more likely to invite full proposals when we are sure of our new strategic priorities.
I have already been invited to submit a full proposal by a Funding Manager under A Fairer Future
If you’ve been invited to submit a full proposal by a Funding Manager, we will continue with the process as outlined in the email you were sent, and in our Guidance for Support. We will continue to make funding decisions using our current A Fairer Future strategy, and competition for funding will continue to be strong.
- I am currently funded by Esmée under A Fairer Future
I am currently funded by Esmée under A Fairer Future, and planning to apply for further funding in 2022
If you have a current grant from Esmée under one of the priorities below that comes to an end in 2022, and have not already applied for further funding, we will need to delay most requests until we are clearer about our new impact goals and priorities in A Fairer Future. This may be sooner than the planned launch in May 2022. Do get in touch with your Funding Manager with any questions about what this means for you.
- Acting early on the root causes of problems
- Children and young people’s rights
- Cultural education
- Empowering young leaders
- Creativity transforming lives
- Removing barriers to creative careers
- Tackling injustice
This will not affect organisations funded under our Young People Leaving Care funding priority. Current grants and social investments are also unaffected by the temporary closure.
If you have a question that isn't answered above, please get in touch. We will keep updating this page with additional questions where appropriate.
