Supporters and Donors

Key Supporters 

University of York

We are proud of the University of York’s role in establishing and leading York Festival of Ideas. The Festival is an expression of the University’s commitment as a university for public good: through the Festival we demonstrate the major contribution of education to the economic, social and cultural vitality of York and Yorkshire. Together with our Festival partners we are committed to showcasing the importance and relevance of ideas and research, and to engaging with new and diverse audiences.

The University is pleased to support the Festival through the Higher Education Innovation Fund, which facilitates the communication of new knowledge and its benefits to society. 

Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor

Yorkshire Water

Yorkshire Water provides essential water and wastewater services to more than five million customers across Yorkshire and the Humber, 
playing a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing and prosperity. Our vision is for a thriving Yorkshire, one that’s right for customers and right for the environment.

We are very pleased to support York Festival of Ideas in bringing together communities, experts and innovators to share knowledge and inspire positive change for our region.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is an independent social change organisation whose mission is to speed up and support the transition to a future free from poverty, in which people and planet can flourish. JRF is therefore delighted to support York Festival of Ideas in its ambition to provide a platform for informed debate on key contemporary issues through a programme of accessible events. 

In collaboration with York Festival of Ideas, we are proud to present Festival Focus sessions on Mapping Wealth, Ownership and Place in York.

LNER

For more than a century we have been bringing families and friends together across the UK by train. We provide vital transport links that connect cities along our over 900-mile-long route stretching from Aberdeen and Inverness to York and London. Our passion is to connect businesses and communities supporting them to thrive. Our ambition is to be the most responsible and sustainable way to 
travel for generations to come. 

We are proud to support three Festival events: All Aboard the Story Time Express, Full Steam Ahead @Discovery Zone and Step 
Aboard: Rail’s journey to a responsible future.

York Central

York Central is the UK’s largest brownfield regeneration scheme and is set to add a 21st-century urban quarter to York’s extraordinary ancient history. Located next to the railway station and the National Railway Museum, York Central will bring a hitherto hidden site to 
life, with an eclectic mix of homes, commercial development and vibrant public spaces for residents, workers and visitors to explore.

York Central is delighted to be able to present Festival Focus sessions on From Brownfield to Blue Sky.

Supporters and Donors

C & JB Morrell Trust and the Morrell Centre for Legal and Political Philosophy

The C and JB Morrell Trust is a core funder of the Festival. The Morrell Centre for Legal and Political Philosophy, which is generously supported by the Trust, is proud to sponsor a series of themed events on Democracy on Trial. The Centre is dedicated to legal and political philosophy with a particular focus on toleration as an idea and as a practice. 

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority  

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has been created by the City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council and is a legally recognised, single body. Our role is to use some of the money and powers, that up to now have been held by central government, and work with local leaders and communities to invest in ways that will help to make York and North Yorkshire a better place for you to live, work and do business. We are very pleased to support Change is Coming:  A new vision for York.

French Embassy in the UK

The Higher Education, Research and Innovation (ESRI) Department of the French Embassy in the United Kingdom is recognised as 
a partner for British Institutions and their French counterparts. The ESRI is very happy to work with York Festival of Ideas to 
present From Space Exploration to Understanding Earth, bringing together experts from France and the UK.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is the largest multidisciplinary professional engineering institution in the world. The North Yorkshire Network of the IET is a proud sponsor and collaborator of York Festival of Ideas. This year we will be supporting Installing Charge Points: From planning to operation.

Jane Moody Fund

With thanks to the Jane Moody Fund for supporting Riot Women with Sally Wainwright. Professor Jane Moody, who died in 2011, was founding Director of the University of York’s Humanities Research Centre and co-founder of York Festival of Ideas.

The Burgess Family

Ashley Burgess OBE and Gill Burgess are delighted to support How Much Vision Can We Save in the Future? 

Professor Phil Harris and Mrs Irene Harris 

Professor Phil Harris and Mrs Irene Harris are very pleased to support an artefact-handling session for blind and partially sighted people, hosted by archaeologist Julian Richards.

Athena Swan

The Athena Swan Charter recognises the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all. The University of York achieved a silver award in March 2026. The University’s Athena Swan Steering Group is delighted to support York Festival of Ideas.

Our thanks to those donors and supporters who wish to remain anonymous.

If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please email the Festival team at yorkfestivalofideas@york.ac.uk.