About the Foundation
Prowde’s Educational Foundation has supported young people in education for over 300 years, guided by dedicated trustees committed to our founding mission.
Our History
Established in 1722 by Reverend Francis Prowde — a clergyman with deep connections to Somerset and the North and East Yorkshire — the Foundation was created to ensure that education remained accessible to those in need. His vision was to assist boys aged 9 to 25 through financial grants supporting their academic and vocational aspirations.
Today, support is broad and flexible — from apprenticeship equipment to counselling, tuition fees to specialist tools — always guided by what each individual needs, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Trustee governance and vacancies
Fleur Butler, OBE
Chairman
Michael Heasman
Trustee · North Yorkshire
Ben Batley
Somerset
Oliver Patrick
Trustee · Somerset
Michael Byrne
Treasurer
Our Vacancies
If you are interested in becoming a trustee, we have a 3 year rolling terms and welcome new applicants, please contact the chair
Vacant
Somerset
Vacant
East Yorkshire
Vacant
East Yorkshire
Vacant
East Yorkshire
Governance & Data Protection
The Foundation is committed to responsible data handling in compliance with UK GDPR. Personal information submitted via our application form is used solely for the purpose of assessing and administering grant applications. VWV administer the charity on our behalf.
You have the right to access, correct, restrict, or request erasure of personal data we hold about you. To exercise any right or raise a concern, contact Jaime Hobday at jhobday@vwv.co.uk or 0121 227 3703. Complaints may be directed to the Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk.
The Foundation is an unincorporated charity governed by a Scheme dated 20 March 1957, as amended on 14 November 2024 and 26 February 2025.
Charity Information
Full Name
Prowde's Educational Foundation
Registered Charity No.
310255
Established
1722 by Reverend Francis Prowde
Areas Served
Somerset · North Yorkshire · East Yorkshire
Beneficiaries
Boys and young men aged 9–25
Administrators
VWV (Veale Wasbrough Vizards)