David Lister Charitable Trust
Could David Lister Charitable Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £1,000 – £25,000
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout David Lister Charitable Trust
The David Lister Charitable Trust is an independent grant-making trust established in 2000 by David Ward Lister and trustees. Governed by a small board that includes the founder, it operates with a traditional generalist philanthropy model, prioritising public benefit through a 'quiet giving' ethos. The Trust has minimal overhead and focuses on pragmatic responses to societal needs, making grants at the absolute discretion of its trustees. It supports a broad spectrum of charitable activities across England and Wales, including health, education, social welfare, and disability support, backing both prominent national organisations and regional groups.
What David Lister Charitable Trust funds
The Trust funds a wide range of charitable activities across England and Wales, with a particular emphasis on health, education, social welfare, and disability support. It supports both well-known national organisations and smaller regional groups, providing funding for core costs, specific projects, and general organisational purposes. The Trust's approach is flexible, responding to societal needs as identified by its trustees, and it does not restrict its giving to particular themes or demographics.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities based in England and Wales. There are no income thresholds or special criteria beyond charitable status and alignment with public benefit. The Trust supports organisations of all sizes, from grassroots to established entities, and does not impose demographic or thematic restrictions. However, the Trust does not accept unsolicited applications; funding opportunities arise solely through trustee initiative.
What David Lister Charitable Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund non-charitable entities or organisations based outside England and Wales. It also avoids proactive applications, meaning it does not consider unsolicited requests for funding.
How they like to fund
The Trust makes grants at the absolute discretion of its trustees, with no public application process. It provides funding for core costs, projects, and organisational purposes, and may make occasional capital distributions. The Trust operates with a 'quiet giving' ethos, preferring to work without public guidance or issue-specific strategies.
How much does David Lister Charitable Trust 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 Lister Charitable Trust
David Lister Charitable 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 David Lister Charitable 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 David Lister Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does David Lister Charitable Trust provide?
David Lister Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £1,000 - £25,000.
Where does David Lister Charitable Trust fund charities?
David Lister Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does David Lister Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
David Lister Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from David Lister Charitable Trust?
David Lister Charitable 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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