Cyril Shack Trust
Could Cyril Shack Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Cyril Shack Trust
The Cyril Shack Trust is a family-led grant-making foundation established in 1972, governed by three long-serving trustees from the Shack family. Operating as a lean private trust with no paid staff, it supports charitable causes worldwide through unrestricted grants to established charities. The Trust values reliable stewardship, financial prudence, and enabling the work of others rather than direct service delivery. Its approach is relationship-driven, drawing on trustee networks and recommendations. The Trust funds a broad range of charitable activities without thematic restrictions, and prioritises core or project support for organisations with a demonstrated track record of delivery.
What Cyril Shack Trust funds
The Cyril Shack Trust funds a broad range of charitable activities without thematic restrictions. It particularly supports health-related causes, such as cancer support and medical research. The Trust provides unrestricted grants for both core costs and project costs, prioritising organisations with a demonstrated track record of delivery. It supports charities in the UK and internationally, from small grassroots groups to larger established organisations. The Trust is flexible across sectors and does not limit its funding to specific programmes or beneficiary groups.
Who can apply
The Trust supports UK registered charities and community groups, as well as international organisations. There are no formal restrictions on income size or legal structure, and both small grassroots groups and larger charities are considered. The Trust prioritises organisations with a demonstrated track record of delivery. However, funding is by invitation only, and the Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Success depends on pre-existing connections or recommendations through trustee networks.
What Cyril Shack Trust doesn't fund
The Trust excludes open calls, capital projects, emergency appeals, and speculative proposals. It does not accept unsolicited applications and only works with organisations that have been invited or recommended through trustee networks.
How they like to fund
The Trust provides unrestricted grants for both core costs and project support. Its funding is flexible and relationship-driven, relying on trustee networks and recommendations. The Trust operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited applications. Grants are made discreetly to vetted partners.
How much does Cyril Shack Trust give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Cyril Shack 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 Cyril Shack Trust
Cyril Shack 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 as needed.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Cyril Shack 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 Cyril Shack Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Cyril Shack Trust provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Cyril Shack Trust directly for current funding levels.
Where does Cyril Shack Trust fund charities?
Cyril Shack Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Cyril Shack Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Cyril Shack Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Cyril Shack Trust?
Cyril Shack 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.
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