The History Makers Fund

From First Words to First Drafts

Every great writer begins with a single moment—a book that sparks wonder, a teacher who believes in them, a space where their voice feels safe to emerge.

But right now, millions of children are missing that moment. Not because they lack talent, but because they lack opportunity.

The crisis we face

• Only 1 in 3 children enjoyed reading in 2025
• Fewer than 1 in 5 read daily
• Just 1 in 4 enjoy writing

These are the lowest levels in two decades. The pipeline from literacy to literature is breaking.

Our response: A new partnership

The History Makers Fund brings together two organisations working at different, crucial stages of the writer's journey:

The National Literacy Trust reaches 1.4 million children and young people, working where literacy and poverty collide. Through school libraries, book gifting, teacher training, and youth writing programmes, NLT builds the foundation every writer needs.

The Malcolm Bradbury Trust supports emerging writers through scholarships, bursaries, and residencies. Rooted in the world-leading UEA creative writing programme founded by Malcolm Bradbury and Angus Wilson, MBT ensures that talent—especially from under-represented communities—has the support to flourish.

Together, we create a complete pathway: from first words to first drafts, from learning to read to finding your voice as a writer.