Applying for a Grant
Sir William Boreman, minor nobleman and clerk to the Royal Household, was also a philanthropist. In his will of 1684, knowing that we would be responsible governors, he bequeathed to the Drapers’ Company the school he had founded together with adjacent land and property in Greenwich. The school long ago ceased to exist but the Drapers’ Company continues to nurture Sir William’s endowment and honour his intention.
Today, the Sir William Boreman Foundation promotes the education of young people under the age of 25 living in Greenwich or Lewisham. We use his generous legacy to award grants to institutions and individuals, particularly those from low income or otherwise disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are pleased to support individual students with the cost of rent, food, travel to and from college, educational equipment, childcare, and for under 16s, uniform, sports kit and excursions.
Our grants for primary and secondary school children are administered by Greenwich and Lewisham Councils. Older students may apply to us directly if they:
are a permanent resident in Greenwich or Lewisham
are aged under 25
are a UK national or have settled status
have a household gross income of less than £30,000 per annum
We are pleased to support registered charities and educational establishments that deliver projects for people aged under 25 from Greenwich or Lewisham.
Projects should demonstrate clear educational benefits to young people
Where possible, grants should focus on improving student inclusiveness
Grants will not be made in support of an activity or purpose that should normally be funded by public money
Grants are usually made on a one-off basis. Further applications will not normally be considered for at least three years from the date of the grant.
Individual applicants aged 16 and over should complete the application form below. Please read Sir William Boreman Grant Eligibility & Guidelines for Individuals 16+ before completing your application.
Children aged under 16 and organisations should read the Sir William Boreman Grant Eligibility & Guidelines for Individual Applicants. Organisations and Children Under 16 apply in writing providing details of their activities and the project for which funds are required and how this will benefit young people in the boroughs of Greenwich or Lewisham. In addition, an operational/project budget and details of other funding received or being sought in support of the project should be submitted. A copy of the most recent annual report and accounts should be enclosed.
All applications should be submitted by email to charities@thedrapers.co.uk
Applications are considered at meetings in November, February and May.
Individual applicants should note that funding is awarded for the current year of study and is not provided retrospectively. Therefore applications should be submitted for consideration in November and February. Applications submitted to the June meeting will be assessed for an award in the following academic year.
The next meeting dates are:
21 October 2025 (application deadline: 30 September 2025)
3 February 2026 (application deadline: 13 January 2026)
2 June 2026 (application deadline: 12 May 2026)
In order to be considered, completed applications should be submitted at least three weeks before these meeting dates.
Grants of up to £3,000 may be awarded to individual applicants in further or higher education. Students studying for two or three years can reapply for each year of their course providing they meet the eligibility criteria.
Grants to organisations are usually one-off awards of up to £10,000
