Examples of our work

Since its establishment in 2010, the Danson Foundation has enjoyed a number of successful partnerships, investments and donations. Some examples can be found below:

Learn more about our grants

Bursary scheme at St. Anne’s College, Oxford University

In 2012, The Danson Foundation made a gift of £1.5m to St. Anne’s College for the provision of undergraduate bursaries. This benefaction helps to fund students from the lowest-income backgrounds, supporting the College’s belief that all students with the ability to succeed should have the opportunity to do so, regardless of their circumstances.

Since launching, the Danson Bursaries have supported a total of 270 students. The bursaries provide vital funding to help students in both their academic and social lives, relieving the pressure and stress that uncertain financial situations can cause.

Helen King, principle of St. Anne’s College, said: “The generous support of the Danson Foundation has been key in enabling St Anne’s College to build on its historic legacy of opening Oxford to those who would otherwise be excluded. We are proud to recognise the foundation’s role in furthering the College’s ambitions to be the home of choice for students from all backgrounds, and inspiring them to fulfil their academic potential and prepare for future careers that will change the world for the better.”

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The Danson Foundation Internship Programme at St. Anne's College, Oxford University

This programme invites undergraduate students from St. Anne’s College to apply for a four-week placement, benefitting from careers advice, skills sessions and guest speakers, alongside the opportunity to network and build professional contacts that will outlast their university years.

The students are able to gain experience in sectors such as digital media, retail consultancy, journalism and the third sector. The internships are paid which ensures no student is excluded on the grounds of cost, enabling applicants to reach their potential regardless of financial background.

The Danson Foundation Internship Programme welcomed its first intake in 2013. Since then, 235 students have successfully completed placements.

Helen King, principle of St. Anne’s College, said: “The Danson internship programme changes the life course of our students every year. Despite their frequent lack of previous opportunities, the programme nurtures their raw enthusiasm and talent into real work-based skills and insight. I see their ability and confidence flourish, enabling them to choose the right career for them and go on to secure the most competitive roles in all sectors. The personal care and professional commitment shown by the foundation and work mentors to ensure all interns succeed, regardless of the students’ economic and social backgrounds, is remarkable.”

Read our internship testimonials

Covid-19 Emergency Support Fund at St. Anne's College, Oxford University

In response to the pandemic, The Danson Foundation contributed to the St. Anne’s College Covid-19 Emergency Support Fund, which provided a student welfare and social fund, the increased provision of student welfare, an emergency teaching fund and help with social spaces and accommodation.

During the pandemic, there was also a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of students at St. Anne’s College. The foundation’s support has enabled the institution to provide additional welfare, teaching and social opportunities. As a result of this funding, St. Anne’s has quickly responded to all students and their needs, supporting them as individuals, groups and a community during this challenging time.

PEAS partnership, Uganda and Zambia

PEAS (Promoting Equality in African Schools) is a not-for-profit organisation building and running secondary schools in Uganda and Zambia’s most underserved communities. In just over a decade, PEAS has built 32 schools (28 in Uganda, four in Zambia) and is now educating 14,000 people, 52% of whom are girls. PEAS delivers its work through three ‘pillars’ of impact: Access, Quality and Sustainability.

The Danson Foundation funded the construction and launch of three PEAS schools in Uganda. Samling Kazingo opened in 2012, Samling Kichwamba in 2013, and Samling Nama in 2016. Since then, the foundation has supported the expansion of all three schools with the construction of dormitories, science labs, ICT labs and classroom blocks.

The Samling schools currenting educate 1,538 students; 60% are girls, with 53% boarding.

Supporting disabled children in Cambodia at Grace House Community Centre

Grace House Community Centre was established in 2008 and focuses on alleviating the negative impacts of poverty in a number of rural villages near Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Activities include education programmes and support for local children with disabilities, and assisting with the delivery of tailored education programmes. Experienced social workers assess families for their individual needs, distribute food and other resources while providing education and guidance depending on circumstances.

The Danson Foundation has supported Grace House for the last five years. Initially, the foundation funded a residential home for children with disabilities who were homeless or in unsafe family environments. Since then, the foundation has helped fund the disability education program and arranged foster care for one child so she is able to have a stable, supportive home.

During Covid-19, The Danson Foundation helped finance hygiene supplies and PPE for the school and community, plus staff salaries and food packages when families were not able to work due to lockdown measures. This meant Grace House could provide support in the community when it was most needed.