Adsum Foundation
Could Adsum Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £10,000 – £50,000
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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adsumfoundation.orgAbout Adsum Foundation
The Adsum Foundation is a Belfast-based charitable foundation established in 2008, dedicated to breaking the cycle of extreme poverty in rural Madagascar's most deprived communities. Initially supporting projects in various developing countries, it now focuses exclusively on Madagascar due to its acute under-representation in global aid. Core values of partnership, sustainability, empowerment, and long-term impact guide its work through collaborations with locally embedded NGOs, ensuring cultural relevance and enduring change. The Foundation channels all public donations directly to projects, with administration funded separately.
What Adsum Foundation funds
The Foundation prioritises three thematic areas: education, including school construction, resources, and access for children; health, covering water and sanitation infrastructure, malnutrition relief, and disease prevention; and sustainable livelihoods, such as wells, resource management training, and community self-sufficiency. It supports capital projects, targeted programmes, and capacity building for systemic improvements like water committees and school assessments. All work is concentrated in rural Madagascar, with a particular focus on the south and remote areas.
Who can apply
Eligible partners are typically small to medium-sized UK-registered charities or Malagasy NGOs with proven grassroots operations in rural Madagascar. There are no income thresholds, but a strong preference for organisations demonstrating sustainability and impact. Beneficiaries are marginalised rural children, families, and villages. The Foundation does not restrict applications based on religious affiliation.
What Adsum Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not fund core costs, unrestricted funding, or activities outside Madagascar. It also excludes emergency activities that fall outside its priority areas. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.
How they like to fund
The Foundation operates on an invite-only, partner-focused model. Trustees proactively select and approach aligned organisations on an ad hoc basis, with no fixed rounds. Grants fund projects, not core costs, and the model emphasises hyper-local specialisation and rigorous partner vetting.
How much does Adsum Foundation give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Adsum Foundation
Adsum Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
- Decisions are typically as needed.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Adsum Foundation.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Adsum Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Adsum Foundation provide?
Adsum Foundation typically provides grants of £10,000 - £50,000.
Where does Adsum Foundation fund charities?
Adsum Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Adsum Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Adsum Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Adsum Foundation?
Adsum Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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