Alchemy Foundation

The Alchemy Foundation, established in 1985 as The Starlight Foundation and renamed in 1987, is a UK-based charitable trust chaired by songwriter and philanthropist Sir Richard Stilgoe OBE DL, with family and diverse trustees guiding its work. Rooted in values of practical intervention, enterprise, social justice, and empowerment, it seeks to make lasting differences for young people facing disadvantage, exclusion, or hardship, emphasizing sustainable impact through capacity-building rather than one-off aid. Its low-profile, values-driven approach stands out in UK philanthropy, particularly via the flagship Alchemist Scheme, which funds professional fundraisers embedded in charities to enhance their long-term resilience.

The Foundation prioritizes disability support (mobility, access, helplines, communications), social welfare (inner-city deprivation, disaffected youth, family mediation, homelessness, carers' respite), penal reform (prisoners, young offenders, families), medical research on blindness and disfigurement, water projects in developing countries, and international opportunities for youth via groups like Raleigh International. It backs capital projects (e.g., wheelchair access), revenue needs, and programmes fostering enterprise and self-sufficiency, with recurring grants to recipients like Orpheus Centre Trust, Youth Music, and WaterAid.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, preferably small to medium-sized with incomes below £1 million, operating across the UK (mainly England and Wales) or with UK beneficiaries; occasional international elements are supported but not required. No religious restrictions apply, and it welcomes projects aiding people/communities without local limits.

Grants typically range from £500 to £5,000 (larger for Alchemist Scheme, up to £10,000+), covering core costs and fundraising posts. Unsolicited written applications (letter by post, with charity status and project details) are accepted anytime; trustees meet quarterly to decide, with responses in months—no forms, deadlines, or online portal needed. It avoids non-charities and focuses on practical, sector-strengthening interventions over publicity-seeking causes.