Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust

Could Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £10,000 – £100,000
Applications: Not accepted

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

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About Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust

The Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust is a UK grant-making charity founded by philanthropists Cecil and Hilda Lewis. Their legacy of intellectual curiosity and family stewardship continues to guide the Trust’s mission: advancing welfare for elderly people, disabled individuals, and children in need, while also supporting education, arts, culture, and scientific research. Rooted in a commitment to vulnerable groups and long-term societal impact, the Trust emphasises thoughtful, strategic philanthropy through high-impact projects, endowments, and partnerships. It blends immediate social welfare with enduring knowledge creation, reflecting a distinctive approach to charitable giving that prioritises depth and lasting change.

What Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust funds

The Trust funds charities that deliver direct services for older adults, people with disabilities or mental health challenges, and at-risk children and families. It also supports educational initiatives, arts access, and scientific advancement. Funding covers frontline welfare, research innovation, core costs, capacity building, capital projects, and endowments. Grants focus primarily on UK projects, particularly in England, with select international support for science and education. The Trust’s portfolio includes work with established organisations such as Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Mind, Refuge, and Women’s Aid, reflecting its preference for proven, mission-aligned partners.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions. The Trust prefers medium-to-large, established organisations with a strong track record; small grassroots groups are rarely funded. There are no strict income thresholds or geographic base requirements, though most grants go to UK projects. The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications—grants are awarded proactively at the trustees’ discretion to organisations they identify as aligned with their mission.

What Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust doesn't fund

The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications, so organisations that have not been contacted by the trustees should not apply. Small grassroots groups are rarely funded, as the Trust prefers medium-to-large, established organisations. No other specific exclusions are stated, but the Trust’s focus on long-term impact means it tends to support proven, capable organisations rather than start-ups or one-off initiatives.

How they like to fund

The Trust awards grants proactively at its trustees’ discretion, typically through multi-year commitments. It supports a range of costs including core costs, capacity building, capital projects, and endowments. The Trust works by invitation, building partnerships with established organisations that align with its mission. Its funding style emphasises strategic, high-impact philanthropy rather than open calls or reactive granting.

How much does Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust give?

£10,000 – £100,000

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

Older peopleDisabilityChildren & youth

How to apply to Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust

Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable 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 Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable 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 Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust provide?

Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £10,000 - £100,000.

Where does Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust fund charities?

Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Cecil and Hilda Lewis Charitable Trust?

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