We support as many charities and projects as we can that focus on literacy and the arts, as well as education and writing. Please help where you can as many small donations add up to a much larger one!
Godmersham Church Project – Susanna Sackree Memorial Tablet
2 March 2024 marks the 173rd anniversary of the passing of Susanna Sackree. Susanna was employed as nurse to Edward Austen Knight’s children and became a much-loved part of family life at Godmersham. Jane Austen frequently mentions Susanna or ‘Caky’, as she was called by the children, in her letters and when referring to her time here.
Susanna’s memorial is on the outside of the church and has deteriorated to such an extent, that it is now indecipherable. Friends of Godmersham Church and the Godmersham Park Heritage Centre have been granted permission to place a replica tablet over the original, thus preserving it for future generations. We have until 31 January 2025 to complete the work and very much appreciate any donations you can spare.
https://www.godmershamheritage.co.uk
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I am determined to buy a handsome muslin Gown whenever I can.
Jane Austen Letter to Cassandra
We all know from Jane’s novels and letters how much she loved shopping. You can help the Jane Austen charities by buying your next book or gift directly from them.
You can also help the libraries and arts by buying Jane Austen books and gifts through the Jane Austen Centre in Bath and the Libraries.
British Library SHOP is selling a Jane Austen Candle… wonderful if you want to light a candle for Jane at home whilst reading Jane Austen Prayers!
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Jane Austen House Museum – Latest Appeal for the Courtyard Restoration Project
The Courtyard Buildings have always been a vital part of Jane Austen’s House, housing the Bakehouse, with its amazing brick bread oven and copper for heating water, deep cellars for storing food over the winter, additional store rooms, and even the privy!
You can also donate via the Just Giving page set up for this appeal: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/jahcourtyardappeal
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Chawton House Appeal
2023 marks 20 years since Chawton House opened to the public for the first time, and they now face an uncertain future. Found out more about Chawton House and the appeal or go directly to their appeal page to give what you can. Edward’s ‘Great House’ is along the lane from Jane’s Chawton Cottage, and a wonderful place to visit. St Nicholas church is in the grounds and you see where Jane prayed and the graves of her mother and sister. Please purchase a ticket if you can, or simply visit the cafe and shop free of charge. It all helps.
If you are donating from the United States, you may prefer to use the North American Friends of Chawton House website.
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Jane Austen Literacy Foundation
Founded by Caroline Jane Knight, Jane Austen’s fifth great niece, the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation is a registered not for profit organisation run by volunteers. The Foundation connects a world-wide grass roots community of people who believe in the power of literacy and want to help those who need it, particularly at this time of international education crisis.
One way you can help is by buying some of their unique Bookplates. They are beautifully designed and make a perfect gift that also supports the charity.
https://janeaustenlf.org/bookplate-shop-1
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Public donations needed to buy treasured Jane Austen letters – now closed.
Friends of National Libraries (FNL) is leading the campaign to raise £15m to acquire the Honresfield Library. It is in discussion with private philanthropists and sources of public funds to raise the purchase price and persuaded Sotherby’s to halt the sale for now.
Rare handwritten poems by Emily Brontë, works by Robert Burns and Jane Austen first editions are included in the collection, as well as two letters written by Jane Austen.
Donate here through the FNL website where you can also find updates.
https://www.fnl.org.uk/articles/50-fnl-forms-consortium-to-save-literary-treasure-trove-for-the-nation
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Jane Austen 200
Now Closed
Jane Austen 200 is filled with unseen photographs and accompanying commentary that illuminate Jane’s life and take you on a journey 200 years after her death. Jane Austen died on 18 July 1817 at the relatively young age of 41 and is buried in Winchester Cathedral. 2017 marked the 200th anniversary of her death which inspired an exciting year of exhibitions, events, and artifacts, some held in private hands and not seen for over forty years. 20% of all proceeds will support the Chawton House Library. See the wonderful work they do on the page Chawton House Library.
BUY YOUR COPY of Jane Austen 200: Celebrating Her Life 200 Years After Her Death
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Jane Austen House Museum – Save the Roof by Sponsoring a Tile
Now Closed
Jane Austen’s House Museum is launching a fundraising appeal to restore its historic roof, giving the public the opportunity to help secure the House for the future. Last renovated in 1948, its roof is in need of major repairs and the Museum is asking for individuals to sponsor a roof tile, at £15 each or whatever they can personally afford. A special Roof Donations Register containing the names of donors or their nominees will be held in perpetuity in the Museum’s archive.
LINK TO JUST GIVING PAGE: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/jahm/janesfund
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Chawton House Library ‘Brick by Brick’
Now Closed
A unique idea launched by Chawton House Library, the #BrickbyBrick campaign allowed Jane Austen fans to buy one brick or a row of bricks in their name or for someone else. The names would be written on this ‘virtual’ wall of Chawton House Library.
*UPDATE* From 2017 to 2020 the campaign raised over £33,000. In 2020 an architect’s drawing was commissioned to commemorate those who donated more than £100. You can find it on display in the Great Hall.
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Jane Austen House Museum – Help to purchase Jane Austen letters
Now Closed
A precious letter by Jane Austen is currently for sale and Jane Austen’s House Museum urgently needs your help to save the letter for the public. It is the letter Jane wrote to her fondest niece Anna Lefroy, and we have until 31 July 2019 to raise £10,000 towards the purchase cost. Please give generously today!
*UPDATE* You can read the outcome of this campaign as the Jane Austen Letter Goes On Show
JUST GIVING PAGE: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/save-austen-letter
