Blenheim Palace to support village groups through bursary

Blenheim Palace has launched the 2026 Blenheim Bursary, a £40,000 funding scheme supporting charities and grassroots organisations in neighbouring villages.

Grants between £100 and £5,000 will be available to groups in Bladon, Cassington, Long Hanborough, Church Hanborough, Freeland, North Leigh, Combe, Stonesfield, Wootton, Yarnton, Begbroke, Woodstock, and Charlbury.

Merilyn Davies, head of community engagement at Blenheim Palace, said: “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 is part of Blenheim’s ongoing commitment to supporting neighbouring communities by sharing the benefits of its success.

It prioritises projects in heritage, education, infrastructure, and social wellbeing.

Last year’s bursary funded a variety of schemes, including an outdoor education space in Yarnton, sensory equipment for a special educational needs school in Witney, coach training for a volunteer-led running club in Woodstock, support for a community transport provider in Freeland, and catering costs for an adult day centre in Long Hanborough.

Applications are open until April 30.

Full details are available on the Blenheim Palace Community page.