BFI Trust

Could BFI Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £1,000,000 – £2,000,000
Applications: Existing partners only

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

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About BFI Trust

The BFI Trust is a registered UK charity that serves as a dedicated endowed grant-maker for the British Film Institute (BFI), the UK's leading cultural body for film, television and moving image. Established to promote education on the societal impact of these media, preserve UK film heritage, and advance the arts through public access and engagement, the Trust's core values emphasise long-term stewardship of endowment resources for sustained public benefit. Its distinctive approach is singularly focused on bolstering the BFI's operations, with no independent agenda, ensuring financial stability for national collections, education, and outreach.

What BFI Trust funds

The Trust's funding supports the BFI's work in the priority areas set out in the overview, covering preservation, digitisation, education, and public engagement. This includes the costs of maintaining and restoring film archives, digitising rare and fragile materials for free public access through Mediatheques, and developing library projects and educational workshops. These activities span heritage conservation, broadening access for diverse audiences, and film education across the UK. The work benefits students, researchers, and the general public by safeguarding the UK's moving image culture and making it available to all.

Who can apply

Only the British Film Institute is eligible for funding. No external organisations, charities, individuals, or others are supported. The Trust accepts no unsolicited applications and works solely with its existing partner, the BFI. The public, students, researchers, and creatives benefit indirectly through BFI programmes.

What BFI Trust doesn't fund

The Trust does not fund any non-BFI recipients, project-specific aid to outsiders, or short-term grants. All external organisations and individuals are excluded, as are any initiatives not directly tied to the BFI's charitable mission.

How they like to fund

Grants are unrestricted core and strategic funding, decided internally by trustees. The Trust does not have an application process and only supports the BFI, acting as its embedded philanthropic backbone. It does not accept unsolicited approaches from any other parties.

How much does BFI Trust give?

£1,000,000 – £2,000,000

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

Arts & cultureEducation

How to apply to BFI Trust

BFI 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.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with BFI Trust.
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 BFI Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does BFI Trust provide?

BFI Trust typically provides grants of £1,000,000 - £2,000,000.

Where does BFI Trust fund charities?

BFI Trust funds charities operating in the UK.

Does BFI Trust accept unsolicited applications?

BFI Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from BFI Trust?

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