Chapman Charitable Trust

Could Chapman Charitable Trust fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Typical grants
£1,000 – £3,000
Where they fund
uk_wide
Applications
Accepted
How to apply
Online form
Decisions
Bi annually

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

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chapmancharitabletrust.org.uk

About Chapman Charitable Trust

The Chapman Charitable Trust is a family-founded grant-maker established in 1963 by Marjorie Chapman, with her family continuing as trustees. The Trust supports UK-registered charities that address the root causes of problems, favouring a strategic, hands-on approach to philanthropy. It values rigorous due diligence and active monitoring of outcomes, preferring organisations with a clear theory of change and the capacity to demonstrate measurable results. The Trust funds work under three headings: conserving the natural environment, increasing the accessibility of the arts (especially for young people), and promoting physical and mental wellbeing. It welcomes applications from research organisations and supports charities working across the UK, with a particular interest in those serving children, young people, disabled people, refugees, offenders, and older people. Larger grants are available for organisations with special trustee oversight or supported by the original benefactor. What makes the Trust distinctive is its focus on root causes rather than symptoms, and its willingness to fund both project and core running costs.

What Chapman Charitable Trust funds

The Trust funds charities that work to conserve the natural environment, increase the accessibility of the arts (especially for young people), and promote physical and mental wellbeing. It supports both project costs and core running costs, and particularly welcomes applications from research organisations. The Trust works across the UK, with no geographic restriction beyond the requirement that organisations are registered charities. Specific themes include habitat restoration, youth arts programmes that break down barriers, and mental health initiatives. The Trust is interested in charities that address root causes rather than symptoms, and that can demonstrate a clear theory of change and measurable results.

Who can apply

Only registered charities may apply. The Trust prioritises organisations that serve children, young people, disabled people, refugees, offenders, and older people. It also welcomes applications from research organisations. The Trust does not fund individuals, Community Interest Companies (CICs), Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs), cooperative societies, or unregistered not-for-profit bodies. There is no faith requirement, and charities across the UK are eligible. The Trust favours organisations with a proven track record, strong governance, and transparency.

What Chapman Charitable Trust doesn't fund

The Trust does not fund individuals, Community Interest Companies (CICs), Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs), cooperative societies, or unregistered not-for-profit bodies. It also does not sponsor education, research, or travel for individuals. Applications for capital projects or emergency relief are not accepted, and the Trust does not make multi-year grants.

How they like to fund

The Trust makes grants for both project costs and core running costs. It offers larger grants for organisations with special trustee oversight or those supported by the original benefactor. The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications and conducts rigorous due diligence and active monitoring of outcomes. It favours charities with a clear theory of change and the capacity to demonstrate measurable results.

How much does Chapman Charitable Trust give?

Chapman Charitable Trust runs one grant programme. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.

Last verified 8 August 2026 · 15 sourced facts

General Grant ProgrammeOpen to applications
£1,000+
  • Online application form
  • 2 rounds a year

Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.

What Chapman Charitable Trust funds — and what they won't

Their stated priorities

Charities that address root causes of problems under three headings: conserving the natural environment, increasing accessibility of the arts (especially for young people), and promoting physical and mental wellbeing. Particularly welcomes applications from research organisations. Larger grants available for organisations with special trustee oversight or supported by the original benefactor.

Where they fund
uk_wide
They don't fund
CICsIndividuals
The full exclusions list (1)
  • Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs), Cooperative Societies and not-for-profit organisations; sponsorship of education, research or travel for individuals

Good to know

FaithNo restriction
Focus areas
EnvironmentArts & cultureChildren & youthMental healthHealth

How to apply to Chapman Charitable Trust

Chapman Charitable Trust takes applications via online form.

  • Published programme route: online application form.
  • Decisions are typically bi annually.
  • Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

  1. 1
    Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
  2. 2
    See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
  3. 3
    Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if Chapman Charitable Trust could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Chapman Charitable Trust provide?

Chapman Charitable Trust runs one grant programme — General Grant Programme: £1,000+.

Where does Chapman Charitable Trust fund charities?

Chapman Charitable Trust funds charities operating in uk_wide.

Does Chapman Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Chapman Charitable Trust accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

What does Chapman Charitable Trust not fund?

Their published exclusions include: Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs), Cooperative Societies and not-for-profit organisations; sponsorship of education, research or travel for individuals. The full exclusions list is further up this page.

How do I apply for funding from Chapman Charitable Trust?

Chapman Charitable Trust takes applications via online form. Published programme route: online application form.

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Could Chapman Charitable Trust be a fit?

Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.