Alchemy Foundation
Could Alchemy Foundation fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £500 – £5,000
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Postal application
- Decisions
- Quarterly
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Alchemy Foundation
The Alchemy Foundation was established in the mid-1980s as The Starlight Foundation before being renamed. It is a UK charitable trust chaired by songwriter and philanthropist Sir Richard Stilgoe. Guided by values of practical intervention, enterprise, social justice, and empowerment, the foundation focuses on making lasting differences for young people facing disadvantage, exclusion, or hardship. It emphasises sustainable impact through capacity-building, notably its flagship Alchemist Scheme which funds professional fundraisers embedded in charities. The foundation takes a low-profile, values-driven approach to philanthropy.
What Alchemy Foundation funds
The foundation supports a wide range of causes including disability (mobility, access, 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 youth opportunities. It backs capital projects such as wheelchair access, revenue needs, and programmes that foster enterprise and self-sufficiency. Grants are made across the UK, primarily in England and Wales.
Who can apply
UK-registered charities are eligible to apply, with a preference for small to medium-sized organisations. The foundation prioritises projects benefiting young people facing disadvantage, exclusion, or hardship, as well as people with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. There are no religious restrictions, and unsolicited applications are welcomed.
How they like to fund
The foundation funds both capital projects and revenue needs, with a strong emphasis on capacity-building through its Alchemist Scheme, which embeds professional fundraisers within charities. It welcomes unsolicited applications and makes recurring grants to a number of long-term partners.
How much does Alchemy 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 Alchemy Foundation
Alchemy Foundation takes applications via postal application.
- Decisions are typically quarterly.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Alchemy Foundation could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Alchemy Foundation on the charity register
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as THE ALCHEMY FOUNDATION, charity number 292500.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Alchemy Foundation provide?
Alchemy Foundation typically provides grants of £500 - £5,000.
Where does Alchemy Foundation fund charities?
Alchemy Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Alchemy Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Alchemy Foundation accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from Alchemy Foundation?
Alchemy Foundation takes applications via postal application. Decisions are typically quarterly.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Alchemy Foundation be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.