A small charity, run as a collective, we offer retreats and other events that bring together inner change with creative engagement in the world.
What we do
We offer retreats for people fully engaged with the world: time away from the intensity of a committed life, to recover the space, peace and depth of being that lies at the source of ourselves. We can then return to our lives refreshed, rejuvenated and purposeful.
Alongside the retreats, throughout the year we offer gatherings, inquiry sessions, attuning to nature and conscious movement workshops for people doing the work of change. Our events offer continuity, support, and the building of community and connection.
I gained a better understanding of what it means to be grounded, and the importance of having a community that aligns with personal beliefs. It was an amazing experience because people were open, willing to truly listen, and able to hold a safe space for everyone to share without fear of judgment.
2026 retreat participant
Our journey
The original charity, out of which Emergence Foundation was formed, was inspired by the radical shifts in consciousness experienced by many in the UK, Europe, and the USA in the 1980’s. This occurred as a result of meetings with a young spiritual teacher, Andrew Cohen, whose background was from the lineage of the Indian sage, Sri Ramana Maharshi.
This shift in consciousness enabled individuals to come together with others in an unusual degree of depth, unity, and authenticity.
The dynamic inquiry and perspective inspired by this phenomenon, offered a basis for a fundamental shift in human relationship—a collaborative intelligence beyond the separate self that could potentially benefit the world at large.
Our history
Three iterations of one commitment, across four decades.
1980s
A shift in consciousness
The original charity was inspired by the radical shifts in consciousness experienced by many in the UK, Europe and the USA through meetings with the teacher Andrew Cohen, from the lineage of the Indian sage Sri Ramana Maharshi. It enabled people to come together with an unusual degree of depth, unity and authenticity.
27 years
A global organisation
With centres in eleven countries, the organisation offered public talks and retreats, consciousness development programmes, and collective inquiry through emergent dialogue. Its flagship magazine, entitled What is Enlightenment? (later EnlightenNext), was a penetrating enquiry at the intersection of culture and perennial spiritual wisdom.
2013
The end of an era
Despite its promise and considerable contribution to consciousness and culture, the organisation experienced significant difficulties. This was mostly due to Cohen’s unwillingness to work with others and the detrimental impact of his autocratic, largely unquestioned authority. As a result, the charity closed its doors.
2015
Emergence Foundation is born
Following the sale of the London headquarters, the English trustees consulted the principal stakeholders and formed a committee to disperse the residual funds. This group began meeting in late 2015 and over two years built a grant-giving programme to sponsor projects and activities, which aimed to positively impact the world.
2016 to 2021
Over 100 projects funded
Grants went to individuals and organisations whose work aligned with the original ideals of the charity. 99% of funded projects came to term or continue to flourish. Each year EF hosted a summer gathering to bring grantees together to present their work. A network began to form.
2024
A third iteration
With the entrusted capital spent down, EF's grant-giving programme formally ended. The core team and trustees unanimously decided to draw on the best of their shared history to continue supporting grantees and others engaged in social change by offering retreats. These are facilitated spaces to regenerate, and to access the depth, stillness, clarity, and creativity that lies within.
Grant archive
Over five years we funded more than one hundred projects. This is a record of them, and of what grew from them.
Stichting Open Future Institute
Stichting Open Future Institute
Danyadara
Danyadara
Global Generation
Global Generation
MyNature-MySelf
MyNature-MySelf
Yes to Life
Yes to Life
Arwen Sanctuary
Arwen Sanctuary
Meanwhile Gardens
Meanwhile Gardens
Oasis Foundation
Oasis Foundation
Partners and friends
