The Foyle Foundation supports U.K. based state schools, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) providers.

State Funded Schools

The majority of our funding for schools is focused on the Foyle School Library Scheme which was launched in 2009 to improve literacy and reading attainment with a focus on primary school provision.  It is recognised that there is no statutory requirement for primary schools to have a library and that many school libraries are in a desperate situation through underfunding and underdevelopment.  Since 2009 (to December 2023) the Foundation cumulatively has approved 2,009 school library grants totalling just over £10.76M (average grant size of just over £5K).  In 2024, the Foundation plans to award over £1M to state schools.

State funded schools may be funded from time to time under the Main Grants Scheme for other projects with direct educational/arts benefits but schools must demonstrate why their project cannot be funded from statutory or other funding and also explain their long-term commitment to this activity.

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities

Dedicated nurseries, schools and colleges catering for those with SEND within the U.K. can apply under the Foyle School Library Scheme or the Main Grants Scheme for support for projects which clearly demonstrate educational benefit.  SEND charities providing educational support for children and young people (0 to 25) can apply to the Main Grants Scheme Main Grants Scheme Guidelines.

Please refer to the Foyle School Library Scheme or Main Grants Scheme guidelines for more detail on our funding priorities and exclusions.