The David and Elaine Potter Foundation is inviting organisations to prepare for the next round of funding. 

Opportunities are limited and competition is strong, so eligible organisations must act quickly once invited.Β 

The foundation only accepts applications by invitation, and those who meet its priorities in education and civil society should make early contact.

About the Organisation

The David and Elaine Potter Foundation was established to promote education, civil society, and social justice. 

Over the years, it has provided grants to registered charities and educational institutions in the United Kingdom. 

While it previously supported work in South Africa, its current focus is now the UK. 

The foundation is recognised for funding initiatives that strengthen society and expand access to learning.

Fields of Focus Funded

  • Education
  • Civil Society

Benefits for Recipients

Successful organisations may receive:

  1. Unrestricted funding to support organisational needs
  2. Core funding in addition to project funding
  3. Multi-year grants for up to three years
  4. Opportunities for co-funding partnerships with other grant-makers

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants must ensure the following:

  1. Be a registered charity or educational institution
  2. Fit within the foundation’s funding areas of education or civil society
  3. Receive an invitation to apply before submitting an application
  4. Agree to reporting requirements for annual or multi-year funding

The foundation does not fund individuals, bursaries for school children, undergraduate education, political organisations, community interest companies, clinical trials, religious organisations serving only their own faith, retrospective costs, full economic costs for universities, or capital works such as school buildings or equipment.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted by invitation only. 

Organisations that believe they are eligible should first send an email to the foundation for discussion before any application is made. 

If invited, they can then submit a formal proposal.

Official link: David and Elaine Potter Foundation – Apply for Funding

Required Documents

Applicants invited to submit a proposal may be asked to prepare:

  1. Proof of registration as a charity or educational institution
  2. Details of the project or core funding needs
  3. Budget information
  4. Timeline and expected outcomes
  5. Reporting commitments for future monitoring

Closing Date

There is no fixed closing date published for 2026. As the process is invitation-only, organisations must ensure early engagement with the foundation. 

Applications submitted without an invitation will not be considered.

Contact Details

For all enquiries:

πŸŽ“ Download Our Bursary Application Checklist

Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.

πŸ“₯ Download Checklist (PDF)