Carmona Charitable Trust

The Carmona Charitable Trust is a UK-based grant-making charity, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (number 1090240), governed solely by three trustees from the Berkeley family who exercise full discretion in its operations. Established as a traditional philanthropic entity, its core mission is to support a broad spectrum of charitable activities across the UK through flexible grants and donations, benefiting over 50 national charities in recent years. Lacking a published strategic vision, theories of change, or thematic priorities, the trust embodies low-profile, generalist philanthropy, prioritizing trustee-led decisions over prescriptive guidelines and enabling adaptable funding for diverse causes without restrictions on issue areas, project types, or beneficiaries.

It funds unrestricted grants for core costs, general operations, or specific projects among established UK charities, spanning sectors like health, education, welfare, and community support, with a pattern of backing medium-to-large national organizations rather than grassroots groups. There are no stated preferences for particular causes, regions within the UK, or beneficiary demographics, making it highly versatile for reputable charities aligned with broad charitable purposes.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities operating UK-wide, with a preference for those of medium to large size and proven track records; unsolicited applications are not accepted, as trustees proactively select recipients without public calls, forms, or invitation processes. Grants typically range from £5,000 to £30,000, awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year at trustee discretion, with no deadlines, funding rounds, or income thresholds specified—though recent patterns favor organizations with significant capacity.

Distinctive for its opacity and flexibility, the trust avoids religious restrictions, direct support for individuals, or small/local entities, setting it apart as a discreet, invitation-only funder reliant on trustee judgment rather than open competition or impact metrics.