Image Credit: Hepworth Wakefield - H.Webster
Overview
The Clore Duffield Foundation is launching a new grant programme to support organisations with Clore Learning Spaces to develop and deliver innovative programmes for hard-to-reach state-funded primary and secondary schools.
The grant programme is designed to support organisations to test and innovate new approaches to developing and sustaining engagement with hard-to-reach schools. The programme aims to allow organisations to make a significant step-change in their current engagement with schools.
The grant will support a cohort of up to five Clore Learning Spaces to develop, test, and embed best practice in engaging hard-to-reach schools.
We hope to work with a range of types of organisations in terms of focus, geography and size to make up the cohort.
Aims
Over an extended funding period, the grant will enable participating organisations to:
- Develop new and innovative approaches to schools engagement
- Build confidence and capacity among teachers and school leaders to engage with cultural organisations
- Share learning through a structured cohort model
- Contribute to sector-wide understanding of best practice
Image Credit: Hepworth Wakefield - H.Webster
Funding & Duration
- Organisations can apply for up to £50,000 per year, depending on scale, ambition, and direct costs of their proposed programme
- Organisations selected to be part of the cohort are expected to participate in the programme for three years
- Up to three years of funding is available to each organisation, depending on successful delivery, participation in evaluation, and reporting each year
- Maximum total award per organisation: £150,000 over three years
- Funding is intended to support programme design, delivery, and participation in cohort activity, including programme evaluation
How to apply
There will be a two-stage process for applying for funding.
Stage 1
Applicants will be asked to complete an online application form. This will help us understand your organisation’s current schools provision, your experience of working with schools, and how the grant would support engagement with hard-to-reach schools.
Written Statement (650-700 words)
You will also be asked to submit a written statement (650-700 words). This is an opportunity to explain your approach, priorities, and capacity to engage in this programme.
Full details of the Stage 1 application process can be found in the Grant Guidance.
Shortlisting and Interview
All applications will be reviewed and a shortlist drawn up. Shortlisted organisations will be invited to interview to outline their plans further before the final cohort is selected.
Stage 2
Following the interviews, selected organisations will be put forward to the Second Stage Planning Phase. This stage will be used to plan out the first year of the programme, including estimated numbers of engagement (pupils and teachers) and budget.
Image Credit: Hepworth Wakefield - H.Webster
Timeline
| Activity |
Date |
| Applications open |
19 March 2026 |
| Application deadline |
29 April 2026 (6 weeks) |
| Shortlisting & Interviews |
June 2026 |
| Selection of cohort |
July 2026 |
| Onboarding & Second Stage Planning |
July–September 2026 |
| Programme delivery |
October 2026 – 2029 |
Further information
Download the following Grant Guidance and FAQs for full information.
Grant Guidance
FAQs
Information Webinar
We will be hosting an information webinar on Wednesday, 15 April, from 3-4 pm for organisations to find out more about the grant and put questions to the team.
Register for the webinar.
Contact
If you have any further questions about the grant, please contact Cara Williams cara@cloreduffield.org.uk
Apply now