Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust

The Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust, founded in 1979 by Mrs Elise Pilkington, is a UK-based philanthropy dedicated to two core passions: preventing cruelty to equines (horses and donkeys) and relieving suffering among older or infirm people through social services and care. Guided by values of compassion, practical intervention, and stewardship, it has awarded over £5.8 million in grants—£1.7 million in the last decade alone—prioritising targeted projects that deliver measurable, sustainable impact for vulnerable equines and elders. Its distinctive dual-focus ethos allocates roughly two-thirds of funding to equine welfare (rescue, sanctuaries, infrastructure like stables and fencing, veterinary care, and anti-neglect advocacy) and one-third to elder care (frontline services, anti-isolation activities, hospices, and community day centres).

The Trust supports UK-registered charities delivering direct services or capital improvements nationwide in England and Wales, with no regional or religious restrictions. It favours small to medium organisations with proven track records, proactive approaches to root causes of distress, and clear project outcomes; no strict income limits apply, though recent grants target grassroots groups.

Grants typically range from £2,500 to £15,000 (average ~£6,500) for time-limited capital projects or defined initiatives, excluding core revenue, running costs, or long-term operations. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via a concise online form on the website, reviewed biannually at spring and autumn trustee meetings; the next deadline is 12 September 2025 at 6:00 pm. This narrow thematic weighting, capital emphasis, and outcome-driven philosophy set it apart as an ideal funder for tangible equine or elder welfare enhancements.