Surrey Education Fund
This fund was established in 2017 following the transfer of 31 dormant trusts from Surrey County Council to the Community Foundation for Surrey. It is a collective fund – meaning that it can accept donations from individuals, families, foundations, companies or other sources.
It supports disadvantaged children and young people up to the age of 25, including those in care, to access training, education, and opportunities in sports and the arts. The aim is to build confidence, develop new skills, and broaden horizons for young people across Surrey.
In 2026 this fund will be awarding grants for the following priority theme:
Education, Training, and Skills – Supporting young people to build confidence, develop new skills, and access education and employment, with a focus on assisting those who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) or at risk of becoming NEET.
Case Studies
Get Further – Brooklands College
Funding for additional tutoring in English and Maths for disadvantaged students, helping them work towards essential qualifications.
Surrey Lifelong Learning Partnership
Support for a holiday puzzle club, offering daily text and email challenges during school breaks to strengthen maths, language, and reasoning skills -supported by an online tutor. This enabled disadvantaged children to maintain & develop skills during school holidays rather than falling behind.
Head2Head Theatre
Funding for a work experience programme designed for disabled young people transitioning from special schools and colleges, enabling young people with disabilities to learn practical and creative skills which prepare them for employment in customer-facing roles or the performing arts.
Leatherhead Youth Project – Aspire Programme
A grant supported academic and life skills coaching for vulnerable young people, aged 16-18, many of whom are not in education, employment or training (NEET) offering qualifications in Maths and English, along with support in cooking, budgeting, college applications, and interview preparation.
How to Apply
Grants from this fund are awarded through the Foundation’s main grants round. To apply, organisations must first submit an Expression of Interest form.
Who to talk to
For any enquiries relating to the Surrey Education Fund, please contact Zoe, our Fund Development Manager.
Zoe Coltart
(She/Her)
Fund Development Manager
01483 958307
zoe@cfsurrey.org.uk
Mon - 8am-6:30pm
Tues - 9am-2:30pm, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Weds - 9am-5:30pm
Thurs - 9am-2:30pm
More Information
For more information about this year’s theme of Young People not in education, employment or training (NEET) see the report, Unseen Surrey, commissioned by the High Sheriff of Surrey, Peter Cluff.