Amateurs Trust
Could Amateurs Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £5,000 – £30,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- Once per year
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Amateurs Trust
The Amateurs Trust is a UK grant-making charity established in 1999, dedicated to improving health, advancing education, and alleviating hardship. With roots in supporting communities in Luton, Bedfordshire, north Hertfordshire, and Dorset, it operates under principles of inclusivity, public benefit, and aid for vulnerable groups. The Trust has evolved to fund UK-wide charities and overseas projects overseen by registered UK charities, emphasising measurable impact through robust governance and a small team of long-standing trustees focused on financial prudence and risk management. Its funding character is values-driven and generalist, with a flexible local-to-global scope and an enduring commitment to long-term community welfare.
What Amateurs Trust funds
The Trust prioritises health initiatives, including life-saving efforts and disability support; education and training; poverty relief; economic and community development; and employment opportunities. Funding supports direct services, research projects, core costs essential to charitable delivery, and occasionally capital for facilities or equipment, always for organisational public benefit rather than individuals. Geographically, the Trust has roots in Luton, Bedfordshire, north Hertfordshire, and Dorset, but now funds UK-wide charities and overseas projects overseen by registered UK charities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities of small to medium size, with no income thresholds but a preference for established entities demonstrating strong alignment and impact. Beneficiaries include children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, and broader public welfare. The Trust is invite-only and does not accept unsolicited applications or public processes, so charities must be identified through networks to be considered.
What Amateurs Trust doesn't fund
The Trust avoids campaigning or individual grants. It does not fund activities that benefit individuals rather than organisations, and it does not accept unsolicited applications or participate in public grant-making processes.
How they like to fund
The Trust is invite-only and does not accept unsolicited applications. It awards grants at trustee discretion, supporting direct services, research projects, core costs, and occasionally capital for facilities or equipment. Funding is always for organisational public benefit rather than individuals.
How much does Amateurs Trust 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 Amateurs Trust
Amateurs Trust 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 once per year.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Amateurs Trust.
- 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 Amateurs Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Amateurs Trust provide?
Amateurs Trust typically provides grants of £5,000 - £30,000.
Where does Amateurs Trust fund charities?
Amateurs Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Amateurs Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Amateurs Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Amateurs Trust?
Amateurs Trust 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.
Browse related grants
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Could Amateurs Trust be a fit?
Check free — then find open funders like them.