Whetstone Freedom Fund

About Us

The Whetstone Freedom Fund is a grant-giving initiative of the Institute of Economic Affairs and it empowers classical liberal organisations to spread the core principles of a free society across the world. By giving micro-grants, we support our partners to amplify these vital ideas across borders and language barriers.

The WFF was founded in 2024 as a tribute to the vision and legacy of Linda Whetstone, a tireless advocate for freedom, who passed away in 2021. Linda’s passing left a void for the countless partners who had relied on her dedication, guidance, and support. In the wake of this loss, we — the team at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) and the Network for a Free Society (NFS) Board Members — pledged to continue her vital work. Over the last three years, we focused on ensuring that Linda’s network of partners continued to receive the support they needed without interruption.

This period of transition involved learning and adaptation as we refined new strategies and modernised the operational model Linda and NFS had developed. Through trial and error, we honed an approach that would sustain Linda’s vision and establish a foundation to secure her legacy. These efforts culminated in the creation of the Whetstone Freedom Fund — a modern organisation, based at the free market think tank and educational charity, the Institute of Economic Affairs, dedicated to spreading the principles of liberty worldwide.

With the launch of WFF, NFS has now closed. But Linda’s enduring legacy lives on through WFF's mission, vision, and commitment.