Daniell Trust

The Daniell Trust, established in 2017 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation succeeding the 1993 Antony and Noreen Daniell Charitable Trust, is dedicated to improving care and education for individuals with severe learning difficulties while advancing environmental conservation, particularly wildlife protection and community engagement. Rooted in the belief that societal wellbeing and ecological stewardship are interconnected, it emphasises support for vulnerable groups like children with special needs, alongside grassroots efforts to preserve natural habitats. With high governance standards, ethical investments, and a focus on measurable impact, the Trust historically sustained multi-year partnerships with grantees delivering direct benefits.

It funds projects in special needs education, children's centres, wildlife organisations, community trusts, and local conservation initiatives, prioritising capacity-building, skills development, volunteer-led activities, and long-term community benefits. Past grantees include Surfers Against Sewage for advocacy, Buglife for invertebrate conservation, Plantlife for flora monitoring, the John Muir Trust for wild places, and Shropshire Wildlife Trust for education and reserves, favouring practical interventions for marginalised people and wildlife over broad organisational growth.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups based in England or Scotland, with a preference for smaller, locally focused voluntary organisations of modest income delivering grassroots impact; large national charities are typically excluded. As a now-closed funder winding down for dissolution by 2027, it accepts no unsolicited applications, instead fulfilling legacy commitments through direct partnerships with select existing beneficiaries via one-off grants in 2025-2026. Historical grants ranged £5,000-£25,000, with recent awards larger for sustainable legacies; no deadlines or open processes apply. Distinctively, it avoids unrestricted funding, prioritising evidence-led, dual-focus projects blending disability support and environmental action.