Alex Ferry Foundation

Could Alex Ferry Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £5,000 – £50,000
Applications: By invitation only
Decisions: As needed

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

Check fit free · no card

ferryfoundation.org.uk

About Alex Ferry Foundation

The Alex Ferry Foundation was established in 2018 from a surplus contributed by thousands of UK shipbuilding and engineering trade union members. Rooted in solidarity, worker empowerment, and evidence-led action, the Foundation honours historic struggles through trade union-dominated governance. It pursues progressive change via two funding streams: community grants delivered through regional branches, and research grants by invitation. The Foundation focuses on industrial communities with a heritage in shipbuilding, engineering, and manufacturing across UK regions. Distinctively worker-led and funded by union capital, it bridges the charity and trade union sectors, prioritising small and medium-sized grassroots groups advancing social justice.

What Alex Ferry Foundation funds

The Foundation funds two streams. Community grants support grassroots projects in community development, skills and education, health improvement, poverty alleviation, and economic resilience. Research grants, by invitation, support academic and policy work on good work, workplace wellbeing, economic justice, and industrial futures. All funding is for project-specific costs only. The geographic focus is on industrial communities with a heritage in shipbuilding, engineering, and manufacturing across UK regions, including areas such as Yorkshire, the North East, Scotland, and Wales.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are UK registered charities, community groups, and academic institutions. The Foundation prioritises small and medium-sized grassroots groups advancing social justice in industrial communities. Applicants should be based in or serve industrial communities with a heritage in shipbuilding, engineering, and manufacturing across UK regions. Community grants require endorsement from the relevant CSEU regional branch, while research grants are by invitation only. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

What Alex Ferry Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not fund general operating expenses or core costs. All grants are for project-specific costs only. They do not fund activities that are not tied to UK industrial sectors with a heritage in shipbuilding, engineering, and manufacturing. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

How they like to fund

The Foundation operates through two distinct streams. Community grants are delivered in partnership with CSEU regional branches, which endorse local projects. Research grants are by invitation only. All funding is for project-specific costs, and the Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How much does Alex Ferry Foundation give?

£5,000 – £50,000

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.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

CommunityEducationHealthPoverty & hardship

How to apply to Alex Ferry Foundation

Alex Ferry 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

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Alex Ferry Foundation.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Alex Ferry Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Alex Ferry Foundation provide?

Alex Ferry Foundation typically provides grants of £5,000 - £50,000.

Where does Alex Ferry Foundation fund charities?

Alex Ferry Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Alex Ferry Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Alex Ferry Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Alex Ferry Foundation?

Alex Ferry Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.