Find foundations and charities in the United Kingdom

Search for funds in the UK

The United Kingdom is home to numerous charities, foundations and fundraising organisations. According to the Charity Commission, there are over 160,000 registered charities in the UK. This is an impressive figure, considering the UK’s population is only around 66 million. Charities, foundations and fundraising organisations play an important role in helping to improve the lives of those in need.

Philanthropy is an important part of the UK’s charitable sector. Philanthropy is the act of giving generously to a cause or charity. This can be done through donations, grants and volunteering. Philanthropy has been integral to the charitable sector for centuries and can play a key role in helping to address some of the world’s most pressing problems.

The UK has some of the biggest grant-giving organisations in the world. The largest grant-giving organisations include The Wellcome Trust, The Big Lottery Fund, The Heritage Lottery Fund, Comic Relief, and The National Lottery Community Fund. These organisations provide millions of pounds of grants to charities, community groups and individuals every year.

In 2020, UK grant-giving organisations gave out more than £5 billion in grants to charities and organisations. This was a record amount and was due to a combination of increased public donations and increased funding from the government. This figure is likely to increase in the coming years as more organisations become aware of the importance of philanthropy and the impact it can have on those in need.

The most important grant giving organisations in the United Kingdom

There are many important grant giving foundations in the United Kingdom, each with its own specific focus and criteria for funding. Here are some of the most important grant giving foundations in the UK:

  • The National Lottery Community Fund - This is one of the largest grant giving foundations in the UK, distributing funds raised by the National Lottery to support a wide range of charitable projects across the country.

  • The Wellcome Trust - This foundation is focused on supporting scientific research and innovation, with a particular focus on biomedical research and public health. It provides funding for both individual researchers and institutions.

  • The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation - This foundation focuses on supporting projects that promote social change and environmental sustainability. It provides funding for a range of initiatives, including arts and culture, education, and social justice.

  • The Garfield Weston Foundation - This foundation supports a wide range of charitable causes, including arts and culture, education, health, and welfare. It provides funding to both large institutions and smaller, community-based projects.

  • The Tudor Trust - This foundation is focused on supporting smaller, grassroots organizations that are working to address social and environmental issues. It provides funding for a range of initiatives, including community development, environmental conservation, and human rights.

  • The Wolfson Foundation - This foundation supports projects in the fields of science, medicine, education, and the arts. It provides funding for both infrastructure projects and research initiatives.

  • The Leverhulme Trust - This foundation is focused on supporting research in the humanities and social sciences. It provides funding for both individual researchers and institutions, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary research.

These are just a few examples of the many important grant giving foundations in the UK. Each foundation has its own specific areas of focus and criteria for funding, so it is important to carefully research each one to determine if it is a good fit for your organization or project.

If you're a fundraiser in the United Kingdom looking to raise funds among foundations, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success

  • Identify potential funders - Start by researching foundations that support causes similar to yours. Look at their funding priorities, past grants, and application guidelines to determine if your project is a good fit. Start your free trial on fundraiso and find your potential sponsors today.

  • Build relationships - Once you've identified potential funders, reach out to them to introduce yourself and your project. Attend their events, send them updates on your progress, and keep them informed of your successes. This will help build a relationship and increase your chances of being considered for funding.

  • Tailor your proposal - When applying for funding, be sure to tailor your proposal to each funder's specific priorities and guidelines. Make sure you address their specific goals and explain how your project aligns with their mission.

  • Provide evidence of impact - Funders want to see that their money will make a difference. Be sure to provide evidence of impact, such as past successes or data demonstrating the effectiveness of your approach.

  • Be persistent - Securing funding from foundations can take time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't receive funding right away. Follow up with funders, continue to build relationships, and refine your proposals.

  • Be open to feedback - If you receive feedback on your proposal, take it seriously and use it to improve your approach. Funders appreciate applicants who are open to feedback and willing to make changes to improve their chances of success.

Overall, raising funds among foundations in the UK requires research, relationship building, and persistence. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of securing the funding you need to make a difference.