Astor Foundation
Could Astor Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £1,000 – £5,000
- Applications
- Existing partners only
- Decisions
- Bi annually
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
astorfoundation.co.ukAbout Astor Foundation
The Astor Foundation is a UK grant-making charity established in 1964 by the Astor family. Governed by family members and trusted associates, it embodies a longstanding philanthropic commitment to innovation, filling funding gaps, and enabling the launch of new projects that might otherwise falter. The Foundation takes a flexible, responsive approach, prioritising early-stage initiatives with clear need and impact potential.
What Astor Foundation funds
The Foundation supports a broad range of causes including medical research, youth groups, disability support, countryside and environmental efforts, arts, sport, carers, and animal welfare. It funds project costs, revenue expenses, and limited capital items such as medical equipment or research travel. Work supported may take place across the UK and occasionally overseas, with an emphasis on early-stage initiatives that demonstrate clear need and potential for impact.
Who can apply
UK-registered charities of all sizes are eligible, with a preference for small to medium organisations and start-ups. The Foundation works solely through existing relationships and invited proposals, meaning it does not accept unsolicited applications. No religious restriction applies to applicants.
What Astor Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation explicitly excludes grants for building projects and salaries. Its funding focuses on project costs, revenue, and limited capital items rather than ongoing operational expenses or capital infrastructure.
How they like to fund
The Foundation offers flexible grant support for project costs, revenue, and limited capital items, aiming to catalyse new work or bridge shortfalls. All funding is channelled through existing partner relationships and invited proposals, with no unsolicited applications accepted.
How much does Astor 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 Astor Foundation
Astor 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 bi annually.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Astor Foundation.
- 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 Astor Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Astor Foundation provide?
Astor Foundation typically provides grants of £1,000 - £5,000.
Where does Astor Foundation fund charities?
Astor Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Astor Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Astor Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Astor Foundation?
Astor Foundation 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.
Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.
Could Astor Foundation be a fit?
Check free — then find open funders like them.