Alexander Pigott Wernher Memorial Trust

The Trust's funding is concentrated on preventing, treating, and curing blindness and deafness. It supports medical research, specialist equipment, training, conferences, and services that directly address sensory impairments. It also funds travelling fellowships and clinical innovations, often in partnership with leading research institutions. Occasional capital needs are considered. All funded work must fall within ophthalmology or otology and benefit people in England, Wales, and Scotland. The Trust favours projects that demonstrate evidence-based practice and knowledge exchange, typically awarding to established charities with a strong track record in sensory impairment work.

Only UK-registered charities are eligible for funding. The Trust prioritises medium-to-large organisations with a proven track record in blindness and deafness work. It rarely supports grassroots or small groups, and never funds individuals or communities. The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications; trustees proactively identify and invite organisations that align with its narrow specialisation. Therefore, charities that fit the profile may be approached directly.

The Trust does not fund general operating costs, emergency appeals, unrestricted funding, or projects outside the fields of ophthalmology and otology. It also does not support individuals, community groups, or grassroots organisations. Broader health causes unrelated to sensory impairments are excluded.

The Trust operates solely by invitation, with trustees proactively identifying and approaching aligned charities. It funds specific projects, equipment, research, training, conferences, and occasional capital needs rather than core costs or unrestricted grants. The Trust favours partnerships with established research institutions and values high-impact, evidence-based interventions.