Candlelighters Trust

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

Typical grants: £500 – £250,000
Applications: By invitation only

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

Check fit free · no card

candlelighters.org.uk

About Candlelighters Trust

Candlelighters Trust, established in 1976 by parents and medical staff, is a Yorkshire-based charity dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families. Rooted in compassion, it addresses emotional, practical, and financial challenges from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, while also investing in research to improve outcomes. The Trust blends direct aid with strategic partnerships at Leeds Children’s Hospital’s Regional Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Unit. Its values include service, empathy, accountability, strong governance, and evidence-based support. What makes Candlelighters distinctive is its singular regional focus and hybrid model of direct emotional support alongside research innovation.

What Candlelighters Trust funds

Candlelighters funds holistic family support for children with cancer or leukaemia treated at the Leeds centre. This includes talking therapies, peer groups, specialist workers, wellbeing activities, accommodation such as Candlelighters Cottage, travel aid, play specialists, holidays, and hardship grants. The Trust also backs regionally focused research, clinical staff training, medical equipment, and community projects under 'Candlelighters In Your Community.' Support is exclusively for children treated at the Leeds centre and their immediate families, serving only Yorkshire paediatric oncology.

Who can apply

Eligible entities are UK-registered charities or academic institutions in Yorkshire, partnered with the Leeds unit. The Trust supports only children with cancer or leukaemia treated at Leeds Children’s Hospital’s Regional Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Unit and their immediate families. Applications are invite-only, with no unsolicited applications accepted. For family support, referral occurs through the hospital. Research and staffing support follow strategic collaborations. There is no religious restriction.

What Candlelighters Trust doesn't fund

Candlelighters does not fund general health causes, core costs, capital projects, or activities outside Yorkshire paediatric oncology. Support is not available for individuals or organisations not linked to the Leeds children’s cancer centre.

How they like to fund

Candlelighters works by invitation only, through strategic partnerships with the Leeds unit. Family support is provided via hospital referral, while research and staffing funding follows collaborative arrangements. The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

How much does Candlelighters Trust give?

£500 – £250,000

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

Children & youthHealth

How to apply to Candlelighters Trust

Candlelighters 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 Candlelighters 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 Candlelighters Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Candlelighters Trust provide?

Candlelighters Trust typically provides grants of £500 - £250,000.

Where does Candlelighters Trust fund charities?

Candlelighters Trust funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Candlelighters Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Candlelighters Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Candlelighters Trust?

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