Applications.
Here’s where you will find all the information about how to apply for a grant from the Achieve Equity Foundation.
Round 6 opens on Monday 5th October 2026 at 9am
and closes on 6th November 4pm.
What can you apply for? Our charitable purpose is to provide funding to schools for projects designed to raise the attainment of youngsters disadvantaged by poverty. The next opportunity to apply opens on 5th October.
Are you eligible?
The trustees of The AEF believe that any impact of disadvantage on a learner’s prior attainment should have no part whatsoever in a school’s academic expectations of that child. A school should have the same academic expectations for the attainment of a disadvantaged learner as their non-disadvantaged peer. This is the founding principle of RADY. A school which sets end-of-year, phase or Key Stage expectations/targets based essentially on prior attainment is at odds with the RADY principles.
Successful applicants will be expected to demonstrate that they are implementing the RADY principles.
If your school upholds the RADY principles and the project aligns with these principles you are encouraged to complete the Online Application Form (link below)
Please note you cannot save the application form, we suggest you download and save the pdf of questions and guidance (link will open in a new tab), write and save your answers to each section ‘offline’ and then copy them onto the online form when you are ready.
Please read our grant-making policy where you will find more useful information about the process. You can also read our grant report document, this is required at the end of your project.
Not eligible? Click here for some other ideas for you to consider.
What are we looking for?
AEF funding is intended to support projects that can demonstrate a clear line from:
Need → evidence and learner voice → intervention → disproportionate benefit for disadvantaged learners → measurable change → lasting value
We are particularly interested in applications that:
- identify a specific, evidenced need affecting disadvantaged learners;
- explain why the proposed intervention is the right response to that need;
- show how disadvantaged learners have helped to shape the project;
- demonstrate what is different about the experience of the intervention for a disadvantaged learner compared with another learner;
- set out clear, realistic and measurable outcomes and explain what will remain after the AEF funding has gone.
Projects should align with the RADY principles.
Innovative approaches are welcome, particularly where they test an approach that could have wider application, but this is not essential.
We will not be able to consider funding towards:
- Everyday school items such as stationery or uniform, unless they form part of a specific project addressing an identified need;
- General school running costs, including staffing or resources, unless they are directly related to the proposed project; or
- Capital costs such as building repairs or general improvements to facilities, unless they are directly related to a specific project addressing an identified need.
Application Form
Do You Need More Information?
Please read our grant-making policy where you will find more useful information about the process.
Get in Touch.
We’re here to help. Whether you have enquiries about our mission or grants, we’ll try our best to provide answers. We would love to start a conversation about unlocking potential, fostering equity and changing lives. Please remember though, we are run entirely by a small group of volunteers, it might take a little while 