About Us
Our Vision is to enable all eligible young people in the local community to have the opportunity to develop skills and fulfil their potential.
Our Mission is to help young people who need support for education and career development opportunities by awarding grants.
We help young people under 25 living in Harpenden, Wheathampstead, Kimpton, Redbourn, Flamstead and Markyate.
Our Core Values
What We Do
For eligible young people we aim to provide a significant contribution towards costs for educational and career development activities and items such as:
Items related to work/
apprenticeships
Further education courses
College/university costs
Extra-curricular activities: sport, music, creative arts
Scout/Guide Camps and DofE Expeditions
Laptops
Curriculum-related residential school trips
School uniform
Our Story
The James Marshall Foundation (JMF) was founded over 300 years ago by a local land owner, James Marshall, who left a remarkable gift in his Will, creating a charity that would support young people in Harpenden and Wheathampstead to achieve long term employment.
James Marshall’s
original Will dated 1719
James Marshall’s family owned extensive farmland in the local area which James Marshall and his siblings inherited. Although James did marry, he did not have children and so when he died he left the land he owned to the parish with the stipulation that the income from the land be used to support local children attain apprenticeships and work.
James Marshall’s legacy was ahead of its time and has continued going from strength to strength to what it is today – awarding grants to financially disadvantaged young people under 25 years, to access education and career development opportunities. JMF expanded its catchment area in late 2021 to include Kimpton, Redbourn, Flamstead and Markyate, building on strong community links and relationships with schools and other organisations.
His grave and tombstone has a special place in the community he has helped so much and can be found at the entrance to St Helen's Church in Wheathampstead.
The charity is now led by a Board of Trustees who have been appointed for their different areas of expertise to preside over the charity, led by a chair and vice chair.
For a current list of the Board of Trustees please visit the JMF Charity Commission's page here. The grant awarding for the charity is run by an office team from the Harpenden based office.