Equilibrium Foundation

The Foundation supports education, disability services, poverty relief, and health advancement, with a strong emphasis on disadvantaged individuals aged 16 and above. It funds project-specific initiatives and unrestricted core support for small charities, prioritising grassroots efforts in education, mental health, and community development. Specific themes include employability pathways for people with Down Syndrome, skills training for deprived young people, volunteer mentor programmes for unsupported youth, and inclusive community events. All funding is directed to organisations operating in North West England, specifically within Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, and Cumbria.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups with a main office in Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire, or Cumbria, and whose work primarily serves these regions. The Foundation focuses on small, local grassroots organisations that are often overlooked by larger national funders. It prioritises groups supporting disadvantaged individuals aged 16 and above, including disabled people and youth facing multiple barriers. There are no religious restrictions on eligibility.

The Foundation does not fund capital costs outside its skills-focused remit. It does not support organisations that are not small, grassroots charities based in the North West of England, or those that primarily serve areas outside the eligible counties.

The Foundation offers both project-specific grants and unrestricted core support, welcoming unsolicited applications. It integrates its staff and volunteers into the funded work, providing mentoring and workshops alongside financial support. This hands-on approach is a distinctive feature of its funding style.