Brown Source Trust
Could Brown Source Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £5,000 – £40,000
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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brownsourcetrust.org.ukAbout Brown Source Trust
The Brown Source Trust is a UK-registered family charity established in 2016, chaired by Alan John Brown with several family members among its trustees. It pursues a broad, generalist philanthropic mission, guided by wide charitable objects under England and Wales law. The trust operates through a trustee-led, proactive approach, identifying potential beneficiaries through internal research rather than open applications. This closed, non-competitive process reflects a commitment to discreet, stable support for small and medium-sized charities. The trust does not accept unsolicited applications and favours unrestricted or general-purpose grants for core or project needs. It primarily supports charities based in England and Wales, with no religious restrictions or geographic sub-priorities.
What Brown Source Trust funds
The trust has no thematic specialism and funds a wide range of charitable causes, from community services and education to health, environment, and beyond. It supports registered charities and voluntary bodies with unrestricted grants that can be used for either core operational costs or specific project expenses. The trust primarily focuses its giving on organisations based in England and Wales, and does not restrict funding to particular regions or communities within those countries. Its generalist remit means it is open to proposals across diverse charitable fields, as long as the work aligns with the trustees' identified opportunities.
Who can apply
The trust supports UK-registered charities and voluntary bodies, with a preference for small and medium-sized organisations. There are no strict income thresholds, but the trustees tend to favour smaller entities. Charities must be based in England and Wales to be considered for support. The trust does not impose any religious restrictions and works with organisations serving a wide variety of beneficiary groups. As the trust does not accept unsolicited applications, charities cannot apply directly; instead, the trustees proactively identify and approach potential recipients.
What Brown Source Trust doesn't fund
The trust does not fund individuals, unregistered community groups, or capital projects. It also does not support charities based outside England and Wales. There is no evidence of the trust funding specific programmes such as capital projects or direct community grants. The trust's closed process means it does not accept unsolicited applications, so charities cannot apply for funding through an open call.
How they like to fund
The trust provides unrestricted or general-purpose grants, which can be used for core costs or project needs. It operates a closed, invitation-only process, making grants directly to charities it has identified through internal research. The trust does not accept unsolicited applications, and its funding decisions are made by the trustees based on their own discoveries. This approach prioritises operational stability and discreet, direct support for selected charities.
How much does Brown Source 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 Brown Source Trust
Brown Source 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 rolling (no fixed deadline).
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Brown Source 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 Brown Source Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Brown Source Trust provide?
Brown Source Trust typically provides grants of £5,000 - £40,000.
Where does Brown Source Trust fund charities?
Brown Source Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Brown Source Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Brown Source Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Brown Source Trust?
Brown Source Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
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