Help keep Orwell’s legacy alive as a Friend or Patron

Wednesday 19 April 2023

Become a Friend or Patron of The Orwell Foundation and join a remarkable group of inspirational people enjoying long-term involvement with the official charity promoting the work and values of George Orwell (1903–1950).

George Orwell’s commitment to truth and clarity of expression is prized across the world by those who believe in the power of good writing to promote change and challenge orthodoxy. Today, independent voices like Orwell’s are under increasing pressure. Truth itself is under attack – as is the natural world Orwell cared so much about. All the issues we face are made more difficult by problems Orwell himself recognised and diagnosed, however contemporary they appear, from propaganda to the corruption of language.

Inspired by Orwell’s remarkable legacy, the Orwell Foundation aims to nurture the next generation of independent writers and thinkers – and to provide a platform on which to discuss the subjects which preoccupied his writing, from poverty and inequality to political extremism and the dangers posed by the rise of pervasive new technologies. Our programmes include the prestigious Orwell Prizes and The Orwell Youth Prize, which reward contemporary writing and reporting of the highest quality and integrity across fiction, non-fiction, journalism and more, a busy annual programme of events including the Orwell Festival and Orwell Lecture and an extensive school outreach programme.

About The Orwell Youth Prize

Far more than just a Prize, The Orwell Youth Prize supports the next generation of socially engaged young writers and thinkers from across the UK through our prize, resources and inspirational workshops. The Foundation works closely with teachers to extend opportunities for creative writing and critical thinking in the classroom, while, uniquely for an award of this kind, every entrant is also entitled to individual feedback from one of our volunteers. Through initiatives like the Orwell Youth Fellows, we bring the collective and individual voices and concerns of young people to those in power.

To support our goals and extend our work, we are building a community of supporters in the UK and internationally. By joining us today, you can help to ensure that the future of this essential work, and therefore the legacy of George Orwell, lives on.

George Orwell’s values of decency, integrity and fidelity to truth are as important today as they were when his great novels, essays and journalism were first published.

Join us today, to help strengthen his legacy in the UK and around the world.

BECOME A FRIEND

Friends of the Orwell Foundation can join the scheme for £120/year or £60/year for concessions. Friends receive priority booking for selected events, two complimentary tickets to Foundation events and our regular supporters’ newsletter.

Join as a UK Friend today or extend our reach around world by becoming an International Friend.

BECOME A PATRON

For supporters able to make a significant annual contribution, our Patrons scheme offers additional exciting opportunities to take part in promoting George Orwell’s legacy. Starting at £1,500 a year, benefits of becoming a Patron include exclusive events, annual copies of Orwell Prize-winning books and a personalised tour of the Orwell Archive here at UCL.

We are immensely grateful to Richard Blair, George Orwell’s adopted son, for his ongoing support as our Founder Patron. Here’s how you can join him as a Patron.