Education and supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have been key features of our philanthropic activity for over 200 years. With support from volunteers and charity partners worldwide, we are proud to help young people develop their skills and reach their potential, gain access to after-school activities and further education, and be the leaders of tomorrow. Read about some of our educational programmes below.

Our global flagship partner Bibliothèques Sans Frontières strengthens the abilities of young people around the world by improving their access to education, culture and information. They provide access and resources that connect people to books and digital resources, expand libraries’ reach, train facilitators in post-emergency situations and address the needs of under-resourced communities.

South Africa: The Rothschild & Co South Africa Foundation (established 2012) advances transformation in financial services through scholarships for black South African students—cultivating the next generation of industry leadership.
Health: The Edmond de Rothschild Foundations strengthen medical capacity across Africa, funding specialized training and reconstructive surgery programs that restore both function and dignity.
Digital Education: Since 2014, the “Moocs for Africa” initiative has democratized engineering education—delivering world-class technical curriculum to underserved populations through scalable digital platforms.

Who: Freshwater Habitats Trust is a UK charity creating, restoring and protecting high quality habitats for freshwater wildlife – through scientific research and practical conservation work – dedicated to reversing the long term decline in freshwater biodiversity.

What:

In 2023, Freshwater Habitats Trust were awarded a grant over three years, supporting the expansion of the GroWet project into Buckinghamshire. The project involves local people growing rare wetland plants that are at increasing risk of local extinction, and reintroducing them back into the landscape.

The first year of funding has supported two GroWet nurseries to be established at Lindengate Charity and Chiltern Rangers.

Seven target plant species have been identified and two, the fabulously named ‘Ragged Robin’ and ‘Lesser Spearwort’ are growing happily at Waddesdon.