Coles-Medlock Foundation

The Coles-Medlock Foundation is a family-run grant-making charity established by Bath-based philanthropists David and Jacky Medlock to alleviate poverty and hardship through sustainable development projects in the developing world. Operating via UK-registered charities and their international partners, it drives enduring change by investing in education—especially girls’ empowerment—food provision, healthcare, infrastructure like water systems and schools, and initiatives enabling financial independence for women and communities. Its values emphasize scalable, cost-effective impact for the world’s poorest, including children, youth, people with disabilities, the elderly, and those facing famine or financial hardship, with a strong international focus on Africa and Asia. Distinctive for its nimble family-led board, professional oversight, and endowment-funded seven-figure annual spending, it prioritizes capacity-building and long-term self-sufficiency over short-term aid.

The foundation supports project funding, core costs, capacity building, and capital grants for activities like girls’ education in India (e.g., £100,000 to UBS Optimus reaching 100,000 children), clean water in Rajasthan, Nepal infrastructure via Practical Action, and £164,333 match funding for 32 charities via The Big Give. It backs both UK and overseas relief for youth, age, ill-health, disability, or poverty, favoring robust local partnerships and measurable outcomes.

Eligible applicants are solely UK-registered charities (no income thresholds), with one online application per financial year (ending 31 July). Grants typically range £500–£15,000, scaling larger for transformative projects; applications roll continuously, decided at regular trustee meetings. It excludes direct individual funding and prioritizes sustainable, women/girls-focused solutions delivered through proven nonprofits.