Up to £70,000 for International Education Projects – Educational Opportunity Foundation

The Educational Opportunity Foundation offers £30,000–£70,000 in grant funding to UK-registered charities delivering international education projects that improve opportunities for disadvantaged children and young people under the age of 25.

The Foundation supports projects that improve access to education, strengthen teaching and learning, and develop sustainable educational opportunities in marginalised communities worldwide.

Here's what you can expect:

• £30,000–£70,000 in grant funding per project

• Up to £35,000 per year for multi-year projects

• Funding for projects lasting one to three years

• Support covering 25%–100% of eligible project costs

• Funding for new, pilot or recently launched projects

• Up to 20% of the grant available towards overhead costs

• Support for projects improving educational access, quality and sustainability

• Opportunities to expand education for underserved children and young people

• Preference for projects with some matched funding, although this is not compulsory

What projects can be funded?

The Foundation supports three main areas:

1. Improving Access to Education

Projects helping children and young people overcome barriers to education, including:

• Increasing educational opportunities for girls

• Constructing classrooms and school sanitation facilities

• Training teachers in inclusive educational practices

• Supporting children who are excluded or overlooked

• Improving community attitudes towards education

2. Improving the Quality of Education

Initiatives strengthening teaching and learning, including:

• Teacher training and professional development

• Improved learning resources

• Extra-curricular educational support

• Vocational training and employability skills

• STEM education, digital skills and green economy training

3. Improving Educational Sustainability

Projects developing long-term, locally supported education services, including:

• Community ownership and management of education projects

• Sustainable funding and income-generating approaches

• Reducing the environmental impact of educational activities

• Building local capacity to maintain services beyond the grant period

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities delivering or directly supporting international education projects.

Important eligibility requirements:

Applicants must:

• Have annual income between £100,000 and £1.5 million in their most recently completed financial year.

• Have at least three years of continuous accounts submitted to the relevant UK charity regulator.

• Be financially sound.

• Be directly involved in delivering the proposed project activities.

• Demonstrate that the project benefits disadvantaged or marginalised children and young people under 25.

• Have appropriate safeguarding arrangements.

• Consider environmental sustainability and climate change in project planning.

Charities registered outside the UK, Community Interest Companies (CICs), individuals and organisations primarily focused on fundraising are not eligible.

What cannot be funded?

The Foundation generally excludes:

• Individual scholarships, bursaries and school fees

• Summer camps

• International travel and volunteering trips

• Conferences and expeditions

• Long-term projects outside the permitted funding period

• Services normally provided through state education systems

• Projects primarily covering uniforms, transport or routine running costs

How does the application process work?

Stage 1 – Initial Application

Applicants submit a short online application and completed project budget using the Foundation's template.

Stage 2 – Detailed Proposal

Shortlisted organisations are invited to submit a more detailed application, budget and project results framework.

Stage 3 – Assessment

Some shortlisted applicants may be invited to an online discussion before their proposals are reviewed by the Grants Committee.

Stage 4 – Funding Decision

Successful organisations receive confirmation following the relevant Grants Committee meeting.

Funding: £30,000–£70,000 per project

Project Duration: 1–3 years

Next Applications Open: 1 March 2027

Next Stage 1 Deadline: 23 March 2027

Next Grants Committee Meeting: 14 July 2027