Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund
Could Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £10,000 – £40,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
abscharitablefund.org.ukAbout Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund
The Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund (ABS), established in 1953 as the oldest Sainsbury Family Charitable Trust, advances social justice, civil liberties, and community cohesion through evidence-based, trust-based philanthropy. Guided by values of transparency, diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical investing, it adapts Lord Sainsbury's vision to contemporary challenges, fostering a fairer society by addressing inequality's root causes via long-term grantee partnerships rather than one-off grants.
What Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund funds
ABS prioritises intercommunity dialogue, support for refugees and asylum seekers, and initiatives for disadvantaged young people—especially in Southwark—while also backing Jewish and Israeli causes, overseas aid, scientific and medical research, and broader youth work. It funds direct services such as family therapy for torture survivors and legal advocacy for vulnerable groups, emphasising marginalised communities, grassroots efforts, and systemic change through project, core, and capacity-building support. The fund operates UK-wide with a particular focus on youth in Southwark and select Global South projects.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are primarily UK-registered charities and community groups, with a strong preference for small, grassroots organisations led by those with lived experience; large national or international entities are rarely supported. The fund does not set income minimums or maximums but favours smaller scales. There is no religious restriction.
What Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund doesn't fund
The fund does not support individuals, events, or capital projects. It also excludes activities that do not align with its focus areas, such as large-scale national or international initiatives that are not grassroots-led.
How they like to fund
ABS operates as an invite-only funder, proactively identifying aligned organisations through research and networks. It favours long-term grantee partnerships rather than one-off grants, offering project, core, and capacity-building support. The fund does not accept unsolicited applications.
How much does Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund 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 Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund
Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund 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.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund.
- 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 Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund provide?
Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund typically provides grants of £10,000 - £40,000.
Where does Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund fund charities?
Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund accept unsolicited applications?
Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund?
Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund 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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Could Alan and Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund be a fit?
Check free — then find open funders like them.