Charlbury Exhibition Foundation

Charlbury Exhibition Foundation – Small grants for young people

 Are you under 25, living in Charlbury, and holding a place at university, college, or on an apprenticeship? 

If so, you may be eligible for a grant from the Charlbury Exhibition Foundation (CEF), a charity registered with the Charity Commission, No 309236.

CEF exists to support young people from lower-income households in Charlbury by helping with the costs of education and training. We strongly encourage applications from those facing financial barriers — our grants are designed to make educational opportunities more accessible.

The charity has been supporting education in Charlbury since the 17th century. Today, it continues this tradition by offering grants to local residents under 25.

Grants are available only to students undertaking university courses or apprenticeships. Each award is made as a single one-off payment. Previous recipients will not be eligible for a further grant.

Apply before 30 September 2025 using this form:

https://forms.gle/UEnpWEdguVzJJRwGA

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Our History

The Charlbury Exhibition Foundation has a proud tradition of supporting young people in our community that stretches back more than 350 years.

Its story begins with Anne Walker (1631–1667), daughter of Richard Walker of Charlbury and Anne Eyans. Although her father died before her birth, he left her land in the local area. On her death, Anne bequeathed this land to Brasenose College, Oxford, directing that its income should fund a school in Charlbury. A schoolroom was first created in the Manor House on Church Street, later moving to a new Grammar School on what is now Grammar School Hill. This remained in operation until 1902.

Anne’s uncle, Richard Eyans, also cared deeply about the welfare of Charlbury’s children. In 1666 he gifted a field— still known today as Poor Boys’ Close — to provide apprenticeships for local boys.

In 1909, the Charlbury Grammar School Foundation was replaced by the newly created Charlbury Exhibition Foundation (CEF). At this point Poor Boys’ Close remained an independent charity, managed on behalf of the Charity Commission by the trustees of the Charlbury Parish Stock Charity. In 1993 the Parish Stock trustees resolved to transfer ownership of Poor Boys’ Close to the CEF, and this was formalised by Charity Commission order in January 1994. Since then, the Grammar School and Poor Boys’ Close have together formed the charitable assets of the CEF.

Today, the Foundation continues to reflect its founders’ vision by helping young people in Charlbury to access education, training, and opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach.

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Our Charitable Purpose

The Charlbury Exhibition Foundation exists to support young people under the age of 25 who live in the parish of Charlbury and are in financial need.

Grants are awarded to promote education in its broadest sense. This can include academic study, vocational training, apprenticeships, or preparation for a career. Funding may be used for a wide variety of needs—from clothing, books and tools, to travel, equipment, and other resources that enable learning and personal development.

Importantly, education does not need to take place in Charlbury itself. We support residents who study, train, or take up opportunities anywhere in the UK.

At present, grants are awarded only to children in primary education (for enrichment and development opportunities) and to young people moving on to university or apprenticeships. Each award is a single one-off grant; previous recipients are not eligible for further support.

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Our Vision

We believe that every young person in Charlbury should have the chance to fulfil their potential, regardless of background or resources.

Through our grants, we aim to reduce barriers that prevent young people from accessing education and training. By investing in the next generation, we are helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future — both for Charlbury and beyond.

Our vision is rooted in the belief that education is the cornerstone of opportunity. By supporting our young people today, we are empowering them to develop their skills, pursue their aspirations, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

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Our Mission

To realise this vision, the Foundation’s mission is focused on two key areas:

1. Sustaining the charity for the future

We carefully manage our historic assets, including the Old Grammar School and Poor Boys’ Close, ensuring they are maintained, insured, and used responsibly. Our principles of diligence (in governance) and sustainability (in asset management) guide all our decisions. These activities are supported from our restricted reserves.

2. Reducing barriers to education and training

We target our limited resources to address two major obstacles:

• Financial need

• Special educational needs

Support in these areas is funded from our unrestricted reserves, under two distinct funds: financial support and special educational support.

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Financial Support

The CEF provides financial help for young people in Charlbury, with a particular focus on those most in need. Each award is made as a single one-off grant, and previous recipients are not eligible for a further grant. While our resources are limited, we aim to provide support that makes a real difference.

• Primary-school children

Funding might cover essential learning resources, educational trips, residential visits, after-school clubs, sports kit, or music lessons and instrument hire.

• Those moving on to university or apprenticeships

Grants may contribute towards university application fees, open day or interview travel costs, textbooks, specialist tools or equipment, apprenticeship placement travel, or professional certification expenses.

At present, we are not offering grants for secondary school pupils or further education students. This is something the Trustees may consider in the future, but we cannot provide such support at this time.

Through this support, the Foundation continues the vision of Anne Walker and Richard Eyans — helping Charlbury’s young people overcome barriers and seize opportunities.

The Foundation is pleased to acknowledge the generous donation towards its work this year from the Charlbury Society.

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Our Buildings

Since 2022 the CEF has been undertaking an extensive programme of improvements to the Old Grammar School. In particular, it has installed high-grade roof insulation, fitted secondary glazing to the main windows, replaced fluorescent-tube lighting with LEDs, and replaced the room heaters and the hot-water system. We are grateful for the generous support received from Sustainable Charlbury, the Beer Festival and Wilderness. This programme is continuing.

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Contact

Janet Burroughs, Chair of the CEF Trustees

Tel.: 01608 810260

Email: burroughs871@btinternet.com

William Robinson, Secretary to the CEF Trustees

Tel.: 01608 811 112

Email: william_robinson@live.co.uk

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