About Us.

Message from the Co-Founders.

“Hello and welcome to the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation.

This is personal for us, so we want to welcome you personally and we are so glad you’re here.

We both believe that music and sport have the power to change lives. We know this firsthand because our lives were completely transformed. For Chris, sport was an escape from grief at a young age, rebuilding his confidence and happiness. For Camilla, her talent might have gone undeveloped without support and nurturing from outstanding music teachers.”

Why we created the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation.

Today, many children have no chance of experiencing the opportunities we did. Over the past decade, social inequality in the UK has risen significantly, and the situation is getting worse, not better.

Political decisions have exacerbated the effects of this on the poorest and most vulnerable. Drastic cuts to arts funding mean that only a privileged few have access to music education. Extra-curricular sporting activities can require expensive equipment that isn’t always available at schools or clubs, as well as the support of family to provide transport back and forth and attend training sessions.

The Grange Festival Project

Credit: Musselwhite Photos

Stable Life Project

What are we trying to achieve.

We founded the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation to open up access to music and sport, so no child misses out. A core belief underpinning our work is that sport and music should not be luxuries available only to the privileged few or those who receive a lucky break. We passionately believe music and sport should be vital part of young people’s lives.

We fund organisations who break down the financial and social barriers that hold young people back from participation in activities which will enrich their lives and give them joy.

We’re also passionate about how music and sport can have a therapeutic effect for children and teens. And for young people at risk of becoming involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour, music and sport can be a lifeline.

We also fund organisations working with youth affected by social isolation, grief, abuse and violence to support well-being and mental resilience.

What do we do.

The Kerslake Robshaw Foundation is a grant making organisation, we strive to be first class grant maker, conscious of best grant-making practises. We make grants to organisations that meet our grant giving criteria in line with our Grants Strategy. This is available here if you want to find out more about our approach to grant making. We do not have capacity to review unsolicited applications, we research and approach charities working within our two key themes as outlined below.

Music and Sport for All.

We believe that all young people have a right to take part in music and sporting activities, no matter their background. Social inequality in the UK is widening, which means that the joy of music-making and team sports are out of reach for an increasing number of children.

Family finances and social class should not be a barrier to the life-enriching power of music and sport. We fund innovative organisations who reach children from all backgrounds.

Have a look at some of our recent partners and their inspirational work! We are so proud to support them to further their work and impact.

London Youth Choirs.

London Youth Choirs raises voices and shapes lives through citywide choirs and free schools and communities programmes. The Foundation is helping young people find their voice, develop musical skills, and experience joy, connection, and increased wellbeing. LYC’s approach is intentionally inclusive, with a particular commitment to improving access for disadvantaged young people. The photo above is London Youth Choir South West performing at the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation’s first carol service.

Hackney Laces.

A community club dedicated to getting as many girls and women into football as possible, while creating opportunities in sport and life. They exist because there isn’t an inclusive system of grassroots football for girls. The grant from Kerslake Robshaw Foundation supports both on- and off-pitch support for their young players, including basic equipment needs, travel expenses for trials, and allowing their coaching staff more one-on-one time to support players in their development.

Therapeutic Music and Sport.

We know firsthand the healing power of music and sport. The Kerslake Robshaw Foundation supports grassroots organisations who are using music and sport as therapeutic tools supporting young people who have experienced grief, trauma, abuse and violencer.

Rise Above Barriers.

Rise Above Barriers was established to support young people facing significant obstacles which them from positively contributing to society, these obstacles affect their health, well-being, prospects, and skills development. The grant from Kerslake Robshaw Foundation covers the costs of a Box Fit project that supports young people at risk of exclusion from school and those vulnerable to engaging in anti-social behaviour, the young people come from some of the most deprived and disadvantaged communities across Birmingham. Utilising the transformative power of sport/boxing, the project instils self-confidence, discipline, character, respect, and structure, supporting transitions into adulthood and helping young people take control of their lives.

Buttle UK.

A renowned organisation providing support to children and young people who are in poverty and crisis; including domestic abuse, kinship care, estrangement and bereavement. Our grant is providing music and sports-related items and activities to enhance the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of the children and young people they support.