Chrysalis Trust

The Chrysalis Trust, a UK grant-making charity established in 2009 by the Evans family, tackles poverty, disability, and barriers to shelter, education, healthcare, and clean water, with a distinctive focus on overlooked projects and marginalised groups underserved by mainstream funders. Rooted in values of public benefit, social inclusion, equity, and discreet stewardship, it balances local impact in North East England, UK-wide initiatives, and international efforts delivered by UK-based charities in countries like Bangladesh, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, prioritising evidence-led giving that delivers tangible, sustainable change.

It funds poverty relief, disability services and advocacy, housing/shelter capital projects and core support, healthcare access via medical partnerships, inclusive education, water/sanitation infrastructure, and broader social welfare. Beneficiaries span people in poverty, those with disabilities, children and youth, women, homeless individuals, and disadvantaged communities. Supported activities include direct services, outreach, training, advocacy, capacity building, and one-off donations for core or capital needs, favouring organisations addressing unmet hardships.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities (no religious restrictions), with a preference for small/medium grassroots groups lacking mainstream funding access; no formal income thresholds apply, but international work requires UK basing. Typical grants range £1,000–£10,000 (10–15 annually), covering project, core, and capital costs—unrestricted awards are rare. Submit the website's application form by email/post; main deadlines are midnight GMT 15 June and 15 December, with trustee meetings in January/June and outcomes within two weeks. Requests under £1,001 are rolling. Distinctively flexible and discretionary, it shuns standard emergency/seed funding, emphasising neglected causes and pragmatic impact.