DS Smith Charitable Foundation

Could DS Smith Charitable Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £100,000 – £1,000,000
Applications: Not accepted

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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About DS Smith Charitable Foundation

The DS Smith Charitable Foundation, established in 2011 by sustainable packaging company DS Smith PLC, supports environmental protection and sustainability education. It was set up to embody the company's corporate social responsibility and is governed by a board of DS Smith employees with charitable expertise. The Foundation favours long-term ecological stewardship, community empowerment and nature-based solutions, with a strong emphasis on measurable impact aligned with DS Smith's 'Now and Next' sustainability strategy.

What DS Smith Charitable Foundation funds

The Foundation prioritises water management, sustainable farming, reforestation, biodiversity restoration and environmental education. Its grants have supported work such as chalk stream restoration, tree planting, wildflower meadows and habitat protection for species including butterflies and threatened birds. Geographically, it supports sites across the UK, Europe, North America and other areas where DS Smith operates, funding specific project costs for these conservation and education activities.

Who can apply

Beneficiaries include conservation organisations, farmers, young people and communities, typically medium-to-large established non-profits with proven environmental impact. The Foundation operates as an international partner, supporting sites across the UK, Europe, North America and other areas where DS Smith operates. There is no religious restriction on applicants.

What DS Smith Charitable Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is directed to selected projects rather than open applications, and grants are for specific project costs rather than core or emergency funding.

How they like to fund

Funding is directed to selected projects rather than open applications, and grants are for specific project costs rather than core or emergency funding. The Foundation operates as an international partner, supporting sites across the UK, Europe, North America and other areas where DS Smith operates.

How much does DS Smith Charitable Foundation give?

£100,000 – £1,000,000

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.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

EnvironmentEducation

How to apply to DS Smith Charitable Foundation

DS Smith Charitable Foundation 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.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with DS Smith Charitable Foundation.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if DS Smith Charitable Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does DS Smith Charitable Foundation provide?

DS Smith Charitable Foundation typically provides grants of £100,000 - £1,000,000.

Where does DS Smith Charitable Foundation fund charities?

DS Smith Charitable Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does DS Smith Charitable Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

DS Smith Charitable Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from DS Smith Charitable Foundation?

DS Smith Charitable Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.