Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our funding and how we work
Applying for Funding
Can individuals or families apply for funding directly?
No. We make grants to FSA (Forest School Association) Recognised Providers, not directly to individuals or families. If you are a family looking for funded Forest School places, we'd suggest contacting your local Forest School provider and asking them to get in touch with us about applying for funding on your behalf.
What is an FSA Recognised Provider?
FSA Recognition is a quality assurance standard from the Forest School Association. It confirms that a provider meets nationally recognised standards for qualified leadership, child-led outdoor learning, and robust safeguarding and health and safety procedures. You can find out more on our For Providers page.
What areas do you cover?
We currently fund provision across the East of England, covering Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
How much funding can I apply for?
There is no fixed maximum. The amount will depend on your project, the number of beneficiaries, and the costs involved. Your application should include a clear funding breakdown covering staffing, transport, equipment or other costs. We do not fund general running costs or business development.
How long does the application process take?
Once we receive your completed application, our assessment panel will review it and we'll let you know the outcome as soon as a decision has been made. If you have a specific timeline in mind, please mention it when you get in touch so we can advise.
Can I apply if I already receive funding from another source?
Yes. We ask about other funding sources in the application form so we understand the full picture. Our funding can complement other grants as long as it's being used specifically to enable access for people who would otherwise be excluded.
I'm an existing partner. Can I apply for more funding?
Yes. Existing partners can apply for continued or additional funding. The process is streamlined -- you won't need to repeat information we already have about your provision unless anything has changed.
Donating
How can I donate?
We are currently setting up online donations. In the meantime, please visit our Donate page and get in touch -- we'll arrange a payment method that works for you.
Can I Gift Aid my donation?
Yes. If you are a UK taxpayer, we can claim Gift Aid on your donation at no extra cost to you. This means for every £1 you give, we receive an extra 25p from HMRC. Just let us know you'd like to Gift Aid your donation when you get in touch.
Where does my money go?
We are run entirely by volunteers, so your donation goes directly to funding Forest School places. This includes session fees, 1:1 support staff, transport costs, and equipment. Our annual accounts are available from the Charity Commission.
Can I fundraise on your behalf?
Absolutely! Whether it's a bake sale, sponsored run, or community event, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch and we'll support you however we can.
About the Foundation
What is the Nature of Learning Foundation?
We are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity No. 1201558) that makes grants to enable children, young people and adults to access Forest School education, particularly those with SEND or facing financial hardship. We were founded in January 2023 and operate across the East of England.
Who runs the foundation?
We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees. You can find out more about our team and governance structure on the About page.
Where can I read your policies?
Summaries of our key policies are on the Policies page, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality and grant making. Our full Constitution and Privacy Policy are also published on this website. Full policy documents are available on request.
How can I get in touch?
Visit our Contact page for all contact details. For funding
enquiries, email
funding@nature