The Lefèvre Trust is a foundation that promotes cultural understanding between the United Kingdom and France. The Trust supports language and intercultural learning opportunities through innovative cultural exchange programmes. The programmes are designed to encourage young people from the UK and France to gain international experience through mutual interests.
The goal is to motivate young people to learn about a culture different from their own in order to overcome stereotypes and to help them perceive other cultures more positively.
In France, young people aged 11 to 19 enrolled in school anywhere in France (including in the French overseas departments) and the UK may apply. The Lefèvre Trust is open to young people who participate in sports or cultural activities through community organisations and who share a common interest such as sport, theatre, or music.
The Trust provides groups in France and the UK who have already set up partnerships or who would like to do so with grants to finance exchange trips. The purpose of the trips must be to set up a common project based on the groups’ shared activities and mutual interests. The project could, for instance, support a concert, a rugby tournament, or a newsletter on international topics.
The aim of the project is to enable the participants to lay the foundations for a long-lasting partnership.
Applications must be submitted by extracurricular school clubs, community groups, sport clubs, artistic and cultural organisations in France and the UK. Schools may also submit applications. However, it is highly recommended that the applications be submitted on behalf of school sports teams, clubs, or classes that would not normally have the opportunity to take part in cultural exchange activities (such as vocational or technical classes). Sightseeing and other traditional tourism-oriented exchange trips are not eligible for grants from the Trust.
Note: The application form may be downloaded from the British Council Web site. It must be submitted by the UK group in collaboration with the French partner group.
After reviewing each application, the British Council determines the amount of funding granted. The normal grant amount is £10,000 (around €12,500) to be split equally between the two partner organisations. The purpose of the grant is to finance visits to set up a common project (one trip to each country). However, certain communication costs before or after each visit may also be covered.
If your group already has a partner group in the UK or if you think you can find one yourself, visit the British Council UK Web site for more information about the programme and guidelines.
If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Ruth Cocks at the British Council on: +44 (0)207 389 4930.
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