Firefly Trust
Could Firefly Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £5,000 – £30,000
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- Once per year
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Firefly Trust
The Firefly Trust was a grant-making charity established in 1999, rooted in Christian values and traditional philanthropy. Governed by unpaid trustees, it focused on humanitarian purposes by providing grants to other charities and voluntary bodies in England, rather than operating direct services. The trust emphasised partnerships that advanced its core objects: the advancement of the Christian religion, relief of poverty and sickness, advancement of education, and preservation of mental and physical health. It funded unrestricted core costs, project-based interventions, capacity building, and occasional capital needs for aligned charitable activities. The trust took a faith-driven yet generalist approach, awarding grants solely at the trustees' discretion to invite-only partners. No unsolicited applications were accepted. The trust is no longer active, having closed after transferring its remaining assets.
What Firefly Trust funds
The trust supported charitable work across England that aligned with its core objects: the advancement of the Christian religion, relief of poverty and sickness, advancement of education, and preservation of mental and physical health. This included funding for unrestricted core costs, project-based interventions, capacity building, and occasional capital needs. The trust prioritised small- to medium-sized charities and voluntary bodies operating primarily in England, with a preference for organisations demonstrating proven governance and track records. Specific areas of focus included poverty relief, health and mental health support, educational initiatives, and faith-based activities. The trust did not operate direct services but instead funded partner charities to deliver this work.
Who can apply
Eligible recipients were exclusively UK-registered charities and voluntary bodies operating primarily in England. The trust preferred small- to medium-sized organisations with proven governance and track records. Individuals and for-profit entities were not eligible. Grants were awarded solely at the trustees' discretion to invite-only partners; no unsolicited applications were accepted. The trust's faith-driven approach meant it prioritised organisations whose work aligned with Christian values and its core objects, though there was no religious restriction on beneficiaries.
What Firefly Trust doesn't fund
The trust did not fund individuals or for-profit organisations. It also avoided non-charitable activities. As grants were made by invitation only, unsolicited applications were not considered. The trust did not operate direct services itself, so it only funded other charities and voluntary bodies.
How they like to fund
Grants were awarded at the trustees' discretion to invite-only partners. The trust typically made single-year commitments and supported unrestricted core costs, project-based interventions, capacity building, and occasional capital needs. It emphasised partnerships and accountability, with a faith-driven yet generalist approach. No unsolicited applications were accepted.
How much does Firefly Trust give?
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.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Firefly Trust
Firefly Trust 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.
- Decisions are typically once per year.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Firefly Trust.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Firefly Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Firefly Trust provide?
Firefly Trust typically provides grants of £5,000 - £30,000.
Where does Firefly Trust fund charities?
Firefly Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Firefly Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Firefly Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Firefly Trust?
Firefly Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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