Kettering Old Grammar School Foundation
Kettering Old Grammar School Foundation
Frequently asked questions
Could our charity help you? To help you to decide, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions
What sorts of things are likely to be funded by the Foundation – and are certain types of application more likely to be accepted than others?
The Foundation supports talented young people, especially where the state system does not support them – for instance, the performing arts and sport, etc.
What is the difference between a grant and a bursary?
A grant is a ‘one-off payment’ for a specific educational purpose – for instance, to provide a college or university grant. A bursary may be awarded to young people who show exceptional talent – for instance, in the arts or sports – and is generally awarded for a particular academic year (or several years, according to need), and paid in termly instalments.
What are the lower and upper age limits that qualify for the Foundation’s support?
Normally, the Foundation supports young people between ages 6 – 25, although exceptional cases can be considered outside that age range.
How will you establish that I qualify for your support – do I have to pass a test, or have an interview?
The Foundation relies heavily on the information you provide on your application form and on a letter of recommendation from your teacher or coach. Interviews are usually reserved for ‘expensive’ applications.
I don’t know if I’m ‘gifted and talented’ enough to qualify for your scheme – but how would I know for sure?
As long as you apply with the relevant supporting documentation, the Foundation will be able to determine if you are eligible for our support.
Do you provide any special support for people with disabilities?
We welcome applications from people with disabilities – and they are dealt with in exactly the same way as all others; there are no special criteria.
How long before my project starts should I apply – and is there a deadline for applications?
You should submit your application at least one term ahead. The Foundation does not give retrospective grants.
How quickly will I know if my application has been successful?
You will be told within 6-8 weeks in straightforward cases, or within approximately 3 months if your application is more complex and expensive.
If my application for support is turned down, can I appeal? If so, how do I do this?
No – but you could, of course, submit a new application if your circumstances changed.
How does the funding work? For instance, does the Foundation pay for things directly, does it send me the whole amount “up front”, or do I need to submit receipts for reimbursement of expenses incurred?
This will depend on your age and the circumstances involved. Most grants are paid directly to schools.
If I receive financial support from the Foundation, does this have any effect on other benefits that my family may be receiving?
No.
Will my family or I have to pay income tax on any funds I receive from the Foundation?
No.
I am 24 at the moment, but will be over 25 by the time my project starts. Will I still be eligible for support from the Foundation?
Yes.
I am just coming to the end of a project that I think would have qualified for support from the Foundation, but I didn’t know about your organisation beforehand. Can I apply for funding retrospectively?
No. The Foundation does not give retrospective grants.
My son is 11, and his project will involve travelling to a regional training centre and the occasional weekend away from home. Would the Foundation support the costs of an accompanying adult for children under 16 in this situation?
This is the kind of detail that would be discussed at a meeting
I am now in my second year at Sheffield University, but my parents live in Kettering, and I attended school there from 16 to 18. Would I qualify for support from the Foundation – for instance to purchase books or equipment for my course, or to cover any fees or associated travel costs?
Automatic grants to students are no longer available and you would have to give full details of financial need on your application form.