Frank Brake Charitable Trust
Could Frank Brake Charitable Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £5,000 – £50,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- Once per year
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Frank Brake Charitable Trust
The Frank Brake Charitable Trust was established in 1993 by food distribution pioneer Frank Brake, founder of Brake Bros. It is a family-led grantmaker dedicated to alleviating social and economic challenges, reducing inequality and exclusion, and enhancing grassroots opportunities. Rooted in values of family involvement, integrity, community loyalty, and local generosity, the Trust prioritises charities known personally to trustees or the Brake family. Its funding character is trustee-driven, with decisions based on personal connections and an investment-based approach to sustainability. The Trust focuses on community-rooted change rather than open competitions.
What Frank Brake Charitable Trust funds
The Trust funds a broad spectrum of general charitable purposes, with emphasis on community cohesion, health and wellbeing, social care, disability support, learning, and practical aid for the disadvantaged. Supported activities include capital projects such as community halls and farms, ongoing services like foodbanks, cafes, and hospices, as well as youth sports and outdoor learning. Multi-year core costs are supported through Beacon Awards for high-impact organisations in Ashford. Geographically, the Trust gives strong priority to Ashford and South East Kent, while also being open to charities across England and Wales.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community interest companies (CICs), and community groups based in the UK. The Trust gives strong priority to organisations rooted in Ashford and South East Kent, and favours small-to-medium entities with demonstrable local impact. There is no religious restriction. The Trust seeks charities that are known personally to the Brake family or trustees, so local connections are key.
How they like to fund
The Trust operates by invitation only; unsolicited applications are not accepted. Grants are decided by trustees based on personal knowledge of the Brake family or trustee connections. Funding is flexible, covering both one-off projects and multi-year core costs through Beacon Awards for high-impact Ashford organisations. The Trust supports capital projects and ongoing services, and is distinctively flexible on core funding.
How much does Frank Brake Charitable 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 Frank Brake Charitable Trust
Frank Brake Charitable 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 Frank Brake Charitable 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 Frank Brake Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Frank Brake Charitable Trust provide?
Frank Brake Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £5,000 - £50,000.
Where does Frank Brake Charitable Trust fund charities?
Frank Brake Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Frank Brake Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Frank Brake Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Frank Brake Charitable Trust?
Frank Brake Charitable 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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Could Frank Brake Charitable Trust be a fit?
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