David and Ruth Behrend Fund
Could David and Ruth Behrend Fund be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £1,000 – £2,500
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout David and Ruth Behrend Fund
The David and Ruth Behrend Fund is a charitable trust established in 1970, administered by Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services as corporate trustee. Its mission is to provide flexible grant funding for general charitable purposes, with an emphasis on public benefit, prudent financial stewardship, and sustained giving through capital preservation. The Fund is relationship-driven, supporting only charities personally known to the settlor or trustees, operating by invitation rather than open applications. This invitation-only model ensures alignment with the founders' intent and enables responsive aid to trusted organisations addressing acute social needs.
What David and Ruth Behrend Fund funds
The Fund backs a broad spectrum of causes including social welfare, health, food poverty, homelessness, youth support, community wellbeing, and crisis relief. It is generalist in nature, supporting both small grassroots groups and larger charities. Grants may cover project costs, core funding, unrestricted support, emergency aid, or occasional capital needs. While eligible charities must be UK-registered in England and Wales, there is a strong preference for those based in Liverpool and Merseyside, though nationwide support also occurs. The Fund's flexible approach allows it to respond to acute social needs as they arise.
Who can apply
Eligible organisations are UK-registered charities based in England and Wales. The Fund prioritises charities personally known to the settlor or trustees, and unsolicited applications are not accepted. There is no income threshold, but a pre-existing trustee connection is mandatory. The Fund has a strong preference for charities operating in Liverpool and Merseyside, though it also considers those serving other areas. Beneficiaries include people experiencing poverty, homelessness, health challenges, or other acute social needs.
What David and Ruth Behrend Fund doesn't fund
The Fund does not accept unsolicited applications and only considers charities with a pre-existing connection to the trustees. It does not fund organisations that are not UK-registered charities in England and Wales. No other specific exclusions are stated.
How they like to fund
The Fund operates by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited applications. Grants are flexible and can support a variety of costs, including project, core, unrestricted, emergency, and capital needs. The Fund is relationship-driven, prioritising vetted connections over competitive processes. It aims for sustained giving through capital preservation.
How much does David and Ruth Behrend Fund give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
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 David and Ruth Behrend Fund
David and Ruth Behrend Fund 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 rolling (no fixed deadline).
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with David and Ruth Behrend Fund.
- 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 David and Ruth Behrend Fund could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does David and Ruth Behrend Fund provide?
David and Ruth Behrend Fund typically provides grants of £1,000 - £2,500.
Where does David and Ruth Behrend Fund fund charities?
David and Ruth Behrend Fund funds charities operating in the UK.
Does David and Ruth Behrend Fund accept unsolicited applications?
David and Ruth Behrend Fund does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from David and Ruth Behrend Fund?
David and Ruth Behrend Fund 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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Could David and Ruth Behrend Fund be a fit?
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