Frequently asked questions
Please see below for answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked. Contact the Foundation Secretary & Grants Manager with any queries 020 3778 0677 or by email.

Who can apply for funding?
Applications are not accepted for individuals. All grant funding is made through organisations, such as art colleges, who apply to us for funding to distribute to their own students or projects. If you would like your educational organisation to access RFSA funds, please request that they contact the RFSA to discuss. The Foundation currently only provides grants for project and bursaries for students living or studying in the Greater London area.

What type of organisations can apply for a grant?
The Foundation only funds formal educational institutions or registered charities undertaking projects aligned with our mission, within the Greater London area. If you are unsure if your organisation is eligible please see our funding criteria.

Can we download an application form?
The Foundation only funds educational institutions and organisations operating within the Greater London area. Organisations we have funded in the past will receive an invitation to apply every Spring. If you would like to apply for funds for your organisation, please contact the Foundation Secretary in the first instance. We are then able to check that your proposal is something our trustees might consider before sending an application pack. 

How much can my organisation apply for?
We don’t have a limit for the amount requested and would recommend applying for as much as your organisation needs, although it is important to note that the RFSA Foundation has limited funds and the fund is regularly oversubscribed. It may be helpful for your application to note the average level of funding is around £10,000 per year, although some organisations receive more and some less. If the Trustees do make a grant it may not be for as much as you applied for. 

Do you help with completing an application?
The Foundation Secretary is happy to assist with any questions you may have regarding the grant funds and application process, but we are unable to complete any of the application for you. For assistance please contact the Foundation Secretary on 020 3778 0677 or via email.
 
What is the application deadline?
Applications are open once a year, for funding to cover the subsequent academic year. The application deadline is 1 May each year. Late applications are not accepted and if you miss the deadline you will need to wait until the following year to apply. Grant applications open in early Spring. 

How long will it take to assess our application?
Following the closing date on 1 May, the Trustees meet to consider the applications in June and successful and unsuccessful organisations will be notified in late June. 

Can we email our application?
Applications can only be accepted digitally, via email. We cannot accept paper copies so please scan and email any paper applications. 

How soon can we apply again following an unsuccessful application?
Your organisation will not be able to apply again until the next application round opens the following year. The Trustees only consider applications once a year. However, it is worth speaking to us first to find out if there were any specific reasons for being turned down.

Can you fund a project that is already running or does it have to be new work?
The Foundation supports both new and existing projects, but funds cannot be applied retrospectively. Funds must be applied to projects/bursaries etc running or continuing to run in the subsequent academic year following the summer grant offer. 

Can we apply for another grant if we are already in receipt of funding?
Organisations can apply for funding every year, as long as they have received an invitation to apply. Each funding year, applications will only be considered if they have been received from those organisations invited to apply that year. 

Can we apply for more than one year's funding?
Currently the Foundation only funds projects and bursaries for one year. It is the intention of the Trustees to open applications up to multi-year funding in the near future and invited organisations will be notified of this in due course.