Dischma Charitable Trust

The Dischma Charitable Trust is a private, family-founded discretionary grantmaking charity registered in England and Wales since 1999, governed by seven trustees from the Robertson and Manwaring Robertson family. Its core mission advances a broad spectrum of charitable purposes at trustees' absolute discretion, without thematic restrictions or a fixed founding vision, emphasizing responsive philanthropy across social welfare, education, health, poverty relief, disability support, animal welfare, arts, culture, heritage, science, environment, and overseas aid. Distinctively low-profile with no public website or formal guidelines, it channels resources discreetly through Rathbones, guided by family values of service, discretion, and tangible societal impact via effective, reliable charities.

The trust funds diverse initiatives for registered charities, including project work, capacity building, core costs, and capital projects where high value is evident. Past grants support major organizations like Habitat for Humanity GB (international housing) and The Passage (homeless services), alongside grassroots efforts in music, conservation, child and elder welfare, education, disability, church restoration, animal care, and youth engagement—spanning sectors with a pattern of modest, flexible aid to both national and local groups, particularly in London and Hampshire but open across England and Wales.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities of any size, with no income thresholds, religious restrictions, or geographic limits beyond England and Wales operations; unsolicited applications are welcomed anytime via email (stephanie.williams@rathbones.com) or post to Rathbones Trust Company, including a clear project letter, requested amount, outcomes, budget outline, and latest accounts/report. Trustees meet quarterly (January, April, July, October), ideally with 6-8 weeks' notice; decisions follow within 3-4 months. Typical grants range £500-£3,000, assessed purely on merits without stated exclusions, setting it apart as an accessible, generalist funder for versatile charitable needs.