Charity of Stella Symons

The Charity of Stella Symons, established in 1968 by deed of settlement and registered in 1969, is a generalist grant-making trust dedicated to supporting charitable organisations across England and Wales for broad purposes at trustees' discretion. Its mission emphasises improving lives in local communities, particularly for those facing poverty, disadvantage, or vulnerability, through an inclusive ethos of social welfare, grassroots empowerment, and responsive funding to emerging needs. Distinctive for its flexible, non-thematic approach guided by prudent governance and trustee judgement, it prioritises tangible community impact via small, local charities.

It funds a diverse array of initiatives benefiting children and young people, low-income families, veterans, people with disabilities or health conditions, and those experiencing homelessness or isolation. Supported activities include community arts, advocacy, counselling, mentoring, food insecurity relief, volunteering, mental health services, dementia and cancer care, hospice support, education, heritage, and animal welfare—covering both project and core costs, with a preference for sustainable, multi-year efforts.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, ideally small ones with incomes under £250,000, operating UK-wide but prioritising Warwickshire and West Sussex; beneficiaries must be UK-based. Typical grants range from £1,000 to £10,000 (often £3,000–£8,000), occasionally up to £20,000 multi-year. Unsolicited applications are accepted via online form on a rolling basis, with quarterly trustee meetings and decisions in 3–6 months.

Exclusions include statutory bodies, individuals, general appeals, religious/political activities, school-hour projects, or those over £60,000/capital-heavy. What sets it apart is its enduring support for grassroots impact in high-need areas, blending broad flexibility with consistent focus on marginalised groups.