FAQs

Who was Esmée Fairbairn and where do your funds come from?
Esmée Fairbairn played a prominent role in developing the Women's Royal Voluntary Service and the Citizens Advice Bureaux before being killed in an air raid towards the end of the Second World War. The Foundation was set up as a memorial to Esmée by her husband Ian Fairbairn, and her sons Paul and Oliver Stobart also contributed generously to the original trust fund as co-founders.

In 1999 the Foundation sold its holding in M&G in a takeover of the company by Prudential Corporation PLC. The sale resulted in a significant rise in the value of the Foundation's endowment and consequently in the size of its grant-making. See our history.

How much money do you give away?
We commit approximately £25 million annually towards a wide range of work.  Our primary interests are in the UK's cultural life, education, the natural environment and enabling people who are disadvantaged to participate more fully in society.

Who are your Trustees and staff?
A full list of our Trustees and Staff can be found on this website.

How can we find out more about the Foundation?
The site map to this website will show you how to access the information held on this website. If you still have further questions, please telephone us on 020 7812 3700.

Where is your office?
Our office is located at Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG. Directions and a map are available on this website.

Where should media enquiries be directed?
Media enquiries should be directed to Laura Lines 020 7812 3713 / Laura.Lines@esmeefairbairn.org.uk

More questions and answers about our Main Fund are in FAQs about the Main Fund.

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