Educational and General Charitable Trust

The Educational and General Charitable Trust, founded in 1961 by Labour cabinet minister Lord Diamond with ongoing family trusteeship, is a UK-based grant-maker dedicated to sustaining smaller charities driving positive change in children's education, environmental issues, and overseas development. Its 'think small' philosophy prioritizes evidence-led support for under-resourced organizations tackling enduring societal and global challenges, such as special needs education for disadvantaged UK children, environmental conservation for at-risk communities, and infrastructure like water projects in developing countries. Embodying a non-interventionist ethos, it amplifies grassroots efforts through reliable annual grants rather than one-off aid.

It funds UK-registered charities only, requiring a minimum annual income of £50,000 and focusing on those overlooked by major funders; projects can address any geographic area but must be delivered by eligible UK entities, with no direct overseas operations by the trust itself. Grants cover project costs, core expenses, direct services, infrastructure, and sometimes capital needs within its three core themes, benefiting children, vulnerable communities, and populations in the Third World.

Typical awards range from £2,000 to £5,000, decided annually by trustees at their November meeting—applications accepted anytime via email or post (no online form) with a covering letter, organizational details, accounts, project description, and funding request, ideally submitted by late October. Unsolicited proposals welcome. Distinctively, it avoids non-UK charities, emergency relief, fundraising, or trading activities, emphasizing thematic coherence, family continuity, and catalytic impact for modest-sized nonprofits. Visit https://educationalandgeneral.org for details.