Forbes Charitable Foundation
Could Forbes Charitable Foundation fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £5,000 – £25,000
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Letter of inquiry first
- Decisions
- Once per year
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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theforbescharitablefoundation.orgAbout Forbes Charitable Foundation
The Forbes Charitable Foundation is a UK grantmaker dedicated to improving the lives of disabled people and their carers. Established with a focus on practical, long-term impact, the Foundation funds initiatives that promote employment and training, financial inclusion, support networks, and suitable accommodation. It supports capital works, project delivery, and equipment purchases. The Foundation works with registered charities and community groups across the UK. It offers two funding programmes: the Main Support programme for larger, multi-year projects, and the Townsend Discretionary Fund for smaller, one-off grants. Both programmes share the same priority areas and beneficiary groups. The Foundation is distinctive for its exclusive focus on disability and its flexible approach to funding both capital and project costs.
What Forbes Charitable Foundation funds
The Foundation funds projects across the UK that directly benefit disabled people and their carers. Its priority areas are Employment and Training, Financial Inclusion, Support Networks, and Accommodation. These areas cover a wide range of activities such as skills development, financial advice, peer support, and accessible housing. The Foundation supports capital works, project delivery, and equipment purchases. Both the Main Support programme and the Townsend Discretionary Fund focus on these same priorities. The Main Support programme is for larger, multi-year projects, while the Townsend Discretionary Fund provides smaller, one-off grants. The Foundation does not restrict its funding to any particular region of the UK, supporting organisations nationwide.
Who can apply
Registered charities, community interest companies (CICs), and community groups across the UK can apply to the Foundation. Applicants must work directly with disabled people and their carers. The Foundation has no religious affiliation and welcomes applications from organisations of any size, provided their work falls within the priority areas of employment, financial inclusion, support networks, and accommodation. The Foundation considers both small and large organisations, and unsolicited applications are welcome. Organisations should demonstrate how their project aligns with the Foundation's mission to improve the lives of disabled people and their carers.
What Forbes Charitable Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not fund activities outside its four priority areas of Employment and Training, Financial Inclusion, Support Networks, and Accommodation. It also does not support organisations that do not directly benefit disabled people and their carers. Projects that are not disability-focused, or that serve other beneficiary groups, are not considered. The Foundation does not fund general community projects that fall outside its stated priorities.
How they like to fund
The Foundation offers two funding programmes: the Main Support programme provides multi-year grants for larger projects, while the Townsend Discretionary Fund offers one-off grants for smaller initiatives. Both programmes support capital works, project delivery, and equipment. The Foundation welcomes unsolicited applications and does not require match funding. It funds projects across the UK, with no regional restrictions.
How much does Forbes Charitable Foundation give?
Forbes Charitable Foundation runs 2 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 30 sourced facts
- Expression of interest first
- Next deadline 30 September 2027
- 1 rounds a year
- Multi-year funding
- Online application form
- Single-year grants
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What Forbes Charitable Foundation funds — and what they won't
Employment and Training; Financial And Inclusion; Support Networks; Accommodation
Good to know
How to apply to Forbes Charitable Foundation
Forbes Charitable Foundation takes applications via letter of inquiry first.
- Published programme route: expression of interest first.
- Decisions are typically once per year.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Forbes Charitable Foundation could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Forbes Charitable Foundation provide?
Forbes Charitable Foundation runs 2 grant programmes — Main Support: Up to £30,000 · The Townsend Discretionary Fund: Up to £5,000.
Where does Forbes Charitable Foundation fund charities?
Forbes Charitable Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Forbes Charitable Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Forbes Charitable Foundation accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from Forbes Charitable Foundation?
Forbes Charitable Foundation takes applications via letter of inquiry first. Published programme route: expression of interest first.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Forbes Charitable Foundation be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.