We aim to improve our natural world, secure a fairer future and strengthen the bonds in communities in the UK.
Turner Contemporary
Our Natural World
We want  to ensure that our natural world is restored and protected and that people benefit from that recovery. Working with others, we will contribute to three key impact goals: preserved and improved species health and habitats, clean and healthy freshwater, and sustainable and ethical food.
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A Fairer Â鶹´«Ã½
We want to contribute to a socially just and anti-racist society, where people have their rights protected, as well as the opportunity to speak and be heard, and the freedom to express their creativity. And across all our work in A Fairer Â鶹´«Ã½, we are keen to support organisations led by the people they serve.
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Creative, Confident Communities
We want to strengthen the bonds in communities, helping local people to build vibrant, confident places where they can fulfil their creative, human and economic potential. Places where the local economy works better for the people who live there, where there is equality of access to arts and culture, and where communities are at the heart of change.
Find out moreOur impact
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£1,020.5³¾
Total grants made since 1961
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£48.8³¾
Funding spend in 2024
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£60³¾
Allocation to social investment
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66%
Grants for core or unrestricted costs in 2024
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About Esmée
Learn about our people, our governance and history as well as our approach to investment and see our annual reports.
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Our aims
Learn more about our impact goals and priorities for the next five years. We also share insights and learning as well as information about what we fund.
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Our support
Working in collaboration with others, we use all our tools to achieve our shared goals and to effect broader change. Learn more about our range of tools and support.
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Open and trusting grant-making
Learn about our commitments to open and trusting grant-making, which is part of a campaign launched by the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR).
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Involving young people
We want to do better at listening to and involving young people more directly with our work so we're working with the Involving Young People Collective to help us design and test ways in which we can do this.
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You might be interested in
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26 August 2025Diversity, equity and inclusion support webinar: 14 October 2025
We're hosting a webinar on 14 October 2025 to discuss the findings and share more reflections from our review of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) support provided to organisations we fund through Funding Plus.
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Our support and solidarity
We are re-publishing our post from August 2024 with updated resources for organisations and communities facing a threat from the far right.
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Freshwater: Mid-strategy review
We’re pleased to share a new report exploring changes since our strategy launched, progress made, challenges faced, and recommendations for Esmée and other funders. Simon Wightman, our Funding Manager Lead for Our Natural World, reflects on the findings, what’s next, and the potential impact of the Independent Water Commission’s Final Report.
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Pre-application Q&A Webinar: 17 September 2025
We're hosting a pre-application Q&A webinar on 17 September 2025 for organisations interested in applying to Esmée for support who have questions about our application process or guidance.
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