A.D. Charitable Trust

The A.D. Charitable Trust is an independent grantmaking charity registered in England and Wales since 2003, governed by a board of five volunteer trustees with no paid staff or remuneration. Its mission supports broadly charitable purposes under English law, emphasizing evidence-based, sustainable change through prevention, rigorous evaluation, and long-term impact for vulnerable groups. Distinctive for its hands-on approach, the Trust conducts thorough due diligence, fosters close relationships with grantees, and prioritizes innovative interventions over short-term projects, as praised in testimonials from beneficiaries like SANE and Mentor UK.

It funds organizations addressing disadvantage among children and young people (e.g., poverty, care-experienced, substance misuse via grantees like Barnardos and Happy Days), mental health and wellbeing (Mind, SANE), disability inclusion, social inclusion, rehabilitation for young offenders (St. Giles Trust), poverty relief, education/training, housing, community development, and employment. Grants support projects, core costs, capacity building, and occasional capital needs, targeting direct benefits for marginalized communities across England and Wales.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities operating in England and Wales, with a preference for established organizations capable of measurable, sustainable impact; no strict income thresholds apply. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—trustees invite aligned charities based on strategic fit. Grants typically range from £5,000 to £25,000 (often £10,000–£20,000), decided at quarterly trustee meetings, with shortlisting in September and awards in December. No formal deadlines or exclusions are published, though funding aligns closely with social justice, youth welfare, mental health, disability, and prevention-focused missions.