CHK Foundation

Could CHK Foundation 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.

Check fit free · no card

chkfoundation.org.uk

About CHK Foundation

The CHK Foundation is a family-run grant-making charity established in 1995, stewarded by descendants of founder Sir Cyril Kleinwort. Its mission centres on flexibly addressing evolving social challenges through broad charitable objects, guided by trustee expertise in areas such as traditional and organic farming. The foundation emphasises proactive, trustee-led research over open applications, enabling adaptive support for pressing needs while maintaining rigorous governance, including financial oversight and conflict management. This endowment-driven approach allows it to pursue targeted funding aligned with long-term strategic priorities, without relying on a public application process.

What CHK Foundation funds

The foundation prioritises two core themes: environmental protection, particularly sustainable agriculture scholarships and practices that enhance stewardship of air, water, and soil while balancing environmental quality, economic viability, and social equity; and facilitating successful transitions from secondary education to employment for young people. It funds both project costs and core costs for charities delivering these outcomes, supporting national and local initiatives across a diverse range of organisations, from grassroots to established bodies. The geographic focus is England and Wales.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities operating in England or Wales. There are no income thresholds or size restrictions, making the funder accessible to a wide range of organisations. However, funding is strictly invite-only – the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, enquiries, or public proposals. Charities working in the priority areas of environment or youth employability are most likely to be approached by trustees.

What CHK Foundation doesn't fund

The foundation does not support capital projects, emergency relief, or unrestricted funding. It also does not accept unsolicited applications or approaches. Its proactive, trustee-led model means funding is limited to organisations that are identified and invited by the foundation itself.

How they like to fund

The CHK Foundation provides both project and core cost support, including multi-year commitments. Funding is determined through trustee-led research rather than open applications; the foundation proactively identifies and invites aligned charities. Grants are typically provided on a restricted basis, tailored to specific outcomes. There is no public application process.

How much does CHK Foundation 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
EnvironmentChildren & youthEducation

How to apply to CHK Foundation

CHK Foundation 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. 1
    Check fit. See if your project aligns with CHK Foundation.
  2. 2
    Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
  3. 3
    Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if CHK Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does CHK Foundation provide?

CHK Foundation typically provides grants of £10,000 - £100,000.

Where does CHK Foundation fund charities?

CHK Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does CHK Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

CHK Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from CHK Foundation?

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

Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.

Could CHK Foundation be a fit?

Check free — then find open funders like them.