Cadogan Charity

The Cadogan Charity, established in 1966 by the Cadogan family with roots in the Earls Cadogan's estate wealth, is a UK grant-making trust chaired by Viscount Chelsea and governed by family trustees. Its mission centers on philanthropic stewardship, civic responsibility, and flexible support for diverse charitable causes, particularly in London and Scotland, through discretionary grants to registered charities. Emphasizing rigorous governance, sustainable endowment management, and historical ties to Kensington and Chelsea, it blends tradition with adaptation to modern challenges like health crises and social inclusion.

It prioritizes health and saving lives, disability support, housing, animal welfare, military beneficiaries, education, conservation, environment, and social welfare. Funded initiatives include Octavia Foundation's befriending for isolated Londoners, Clement James Centre's education in deprived Kensington areas, COVID-19 hospital aid, digital inclusion via laptops for disadvantaged children, Age UK care packages, and cultural programs like Nucleo Project music lessons and Cadogan Hall ensembles. Grants cover capital, revenue, core costs, and overheads for grassroots to national efforts promoting wellbeing, community cohesion, and opportunity.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities (no income thresholds), with a strong preference for those based in or serving London/Scotland; no geographic base required, but operations span England, Wales, and Scotland. Unsolicited letter applications detailing fund use, outcomes, and public benefit are accepted annually by 30 November 2025, reviewed at the February trustee meeting.

Typical grants range £5,000–£50,000. Distinctives include family-led discretion, deep local Chelsea engagement, support for smaller organizations supplementing national ones, and no religious restrictions; it excludes non-registered entities.