This closure will enable the Trustees to review their strategy, and it is likely that changes will be made to the grants programme.
Until November 2024, applications will be considered from UK registered or exempt charities with a turnover of at least £50,000 and whose activities fall within the following three categories:
- Care of and services for blind people, and the prevention and cure of blindness.
- Long-term care of people with learning disabilities either in a residential care or supported living environment in a way that provides a family environment and wide choice of activities and lifestyle or by providing long-term day/employment activities.
- Care of and services for people suffering from cancer, and their families.
Applicant organisations must have proven track records of successful work in their field of operation or, in the case of newer charities, convincing evidence of ability.
Applications from smaller charities will be prioritised for the core funding/ongoing costs. Additionally, those charities must demonstrate a clear need for unrestricted funding rather than project funding.
Grants vary in amount, but generally fall within the range of £3,000 to £30,000. Applications for core funding/ongoing costs are expected to be under £10,000.
Applications made before 15th November as part of capital appeals which will still be running in autumn 2025 are unlikely to succeed.
The Trust expects to be able to accept applications for the revised programme from around midsummer 2025.