Ashworth Charitable Trust

The Ashworth Charitable Trust, founded on 23 March 1995 by Mrs C E Crabtree, is a small UK-based charitable trust dedicated to humanitarian causes that promote human oneness, true justice, universal education, and empowerment of the poorest and most marginalised. Guided by principles of equality, poverty alleviation, and sustainable societal progress, it emphasises beneficiary-led projects fostering capacity-building, self-determination, and grassroots participation, distinguishing itself through ethical scrutiny and a focus on transformative, community-driven solutions rather than top-down aid.

It funds targeted initiatives in education, health and life-saving efforts, disability support, poverty prevention and relief, overseas aid, housing, community development, employment, and advancing human rights, racial/religious harmony, equality, and diversity. Beneficiaries include children and youth, elderly people, those with disabilities, the socially excluded poor, other charities, and the general public, with examples spanning hospice care, community health capacity-building, and educational programmes for marginalised groups, delivered by UK charities working domestically or internationally.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities, prioritising small organisations with annual incomes under £1 million and modest reserves; larger entities or those without verified charitable status are ineligible. Applications via online form require charity details, a concise 200-word project summary, and recent audited accounts, with biannual deadlines of 28 February (June meeting) and 31 August (November meeting); successful applicants notified within six weeks, but previously funded charities must wait three years to reapply.

Grants are project-specific only—typically £3,000 to £5,000, rarely exceeding this—excluding core costs, overheads, capital expenditure, animal welfare, or non-humanitarian activities. Its hallmark is insisting on beneficiary involvement and sustainability, making it ideal for grassroots UK charities delivering justice-oriented, participatory impact.