Guidance on how to apply

The trusts only fund registered charities or activities with clearly defined charitable purposes.

The trustees take a proactive approach to the work they wish to support, employing a range of specialist staff and advisers to research their areas of interest and bring forward suitable proposals.

It should therefore be understood that the majority of unsolicited proposals we receive will be unsuccessful.

However, within this limited scope for unsolicited approaches, most trusts will consider exceptional proposals which fit closely their specific areas of interest. In the arts and heritage categories we wish to be made aware of significant projects.

The trusts do not give direct support to:

  • Individuals
  • Educational fees
  • Expeditions

We do not invite unsolicited applications for ongoing revenue support.

If you wish to apply, please read carefully the trusts’ web-sites and annual reports to check that your application fits closely with the trustees’ specific areas of interest.

There are no application forms, except in a small number of clearly defined areas:

Applications to all other trusts should be sent by post, with a description (strictly no more than two pages please, as any more is unlikely to be read) of the proposed project, covering:

At this stage please do not send supporting books, brochures, DVDs, annual reports or accounts.

Please do not send more than one application. We will ensure that it is considered by any relevant trust.

All applications will receive our standard acknowledgement letter. If your proposal is a candidate for support from one of the trusts, you will hear from us within 6-8 weeks of the acknowledgement. Applicants who do not hear from us within 8 weeks of the acknowledgement must assume they have been unsuccessful.