Blenheim Palace champions local causes with launch of £40,000 Community Bursary Scheme

Applications are now open for the 2026 Blenheim Bursary, a funding initiative designed to bolster local charities and grassroots organisations across the region.

Building on a legacy of community support, this year’s fund sees a total of £40,000 made available to projects that enhance the lives of residents in the neighbouring villages around Blenheim Palace. Applications are live until 30th April 2026.

Grants ranging from £100 to £5,000 are available to applicants within the communities of Bladon, Cassington, Long Hanborough, Church Hanborough, Freeland, North Leigh, Combe, Stonesfield, Wootton, Yarnton, Begbroke, Woodstock, and Charlbury.

In 2025, the Blenheim Bursary helped projects such as the development of an outdoor education space in Yarnton; the provision of specialist sensory equipment for an SEN school in Witney; coach training for a volunteer-led running club in Woodstock; funds for a community transport provider in Freeland; and the coverage of yearly catering costs for an adult day centre in Long Hanborough.

Merilyn Davies, Head of Community Engagement at Blenheim Palace, commented: “It is a privilege to be able to share our resources with local communities and the bursary is one of the ways we do this. We hope these grants help support key local projects in the area for the coming year, as well as help create partnerships with local people for years to come.”

The bursary forms a cornerstone of Blenheim Palace’s commitment to being a supportive and active neighbour, ensuring that the benefits of the World Heritage Site’s success are felt directly by those living closest to the estate. Local groups with projects focused on heritage, education, infrastructure, or social wellbeing are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information on the application process and eligibility criteria, please visit the Blenheim Palace Community page

ENDS