Clover Trust
Could Clover Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- Bi annually
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Clover Trust
The Clover Trust is a longstanding grant-making charity, established in 1961 and governed by a board of unpaid trustees. Its mission is to provide flexible, sustainable support for a broad range of charitable activities that deliver public benefit. Guided by values of financial prudence and responsible stewardship, the Trust takes a generalist approach, funding enduring charitable work without evolving from its founding purpose. Distinctively, the Trust operates as a closed funder: it does not accept unsolicited applications and has no open rounds, with all funding decisions made through trustee discretion based on existing relationships.
What Clover Trust funds
The Trust funds general charitable purposes, including the advancement of health, disability support, prevention or relief of poverty, overseas aid and famine relief, and amateur sport. Grants are typically unrestricted cash donations, allowing recipient organisations to allocate funds where they are most needed. The Trust supports charities and voluntary bodies operating across England and Wales, with a particular focus on beneficiaries such as children and young people, elderly people, and those with disabilities. The Trust's generalist ethos means it does not have thematic specialisms, supporting a wide array of causes under its broad charitable purposes.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities operating across England and Wales. The Trust prioritises organisations that support children and young people, elderly people, and those with disabilities, as well as other registered charities and voluntary bodies. There are no specified income thresholds, size limits, or religious restrictions. However, the Trust's closed funding model means it only considers pre-selected entities through trustee discretion; unsolicited applications are not accepted. This approach is suited to organisations already within the Trust's network.
What Clover Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund individuals or non-charitable organisations. It also does not operate open application rounds or public calls for proposals, and does not publish lists of funded organisations.
How they like to fund
The Trust provides unrestricted cash donations, allowing recipient organisations flexibility in how they use the funds. Its funding style is closed and trustee-driven: all decisions are made based on existing relationships and networks, with no unsolicited applications accepted. The Trust focuses on enduring grant-making, supporting charities over the long term without thematic specialisation.
How much does Clover Trust give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Clover Trust’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Clover Trust
Clover 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.
- Decisions are typically bi annually.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Clover Trust.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Clover Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Clover Trust provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Clover Trust directly for current funding levels.
Where does Clover Trust fund charities?
Clover Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Clover Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Clover Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Clover Trust?
Clover Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.
Could Clover Trust be a fit?
Check free — then find open funders like them.