Galileo Foundation

Could Galileo Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £10,000 – £300,000
Applications: By invitation only

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

Check fit free · no card

About Galileo Foundation

The Galileo Foundation is a faith-driven philanthropic organisation established in 2017 by John McCaffrey following his work with Pope Francis and the Pontifical Academies. Guided by values of universality, compassion, and dialogue, the Foundation seeks to strengthen the Catholic Church's capacity and advance the Holy See's apostolic mission. It unites international Catholic and interfaith donors to combat global injustice through initiatives promoting human dignity. Distinctive for its unique Vatican ties and high-level advocacy, the Foundation works through relationship-driven, invite-only partnerships, emphasising Church-led social justice over open philanthropy.

What Galileo Foundation funds

The Foundation funds targeted projects in areas including anti-human trafficking, aid for migrants and refugees, support for Christian communities in the Holy Land, interfaith dialogue, and scientific or social research. Activities range from frontline services and capacity building to advocacy, heritage restoration, and convenings. The Foundation supports work across more than 70 countries, benefiting survivors of trafficking, displaced peoples, marginalised Christians, and at-risk communities.

Who can apply

Eligible entities are primarily Catholic, faith-based, or interfaith organisations with strong alignment to Church priorities. The Foundation favours both large international networks and grassroots partners, with no income thresholds or geographic restrictions applying. Beneficiaries include survivors of trafficking, displaced peoples, marginalised Christians, and at-risk communities across more than 70 countries.

What Galileo Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not fund non-aligned initiatives, emphasising Church-led social justice over open philanthropy. It excludes projects that do not align with Catholic or interfaith priorities and does not support unsolicited applications.

How they like to fund

The Foundation works through relationship-driven, invite-only partnerships, proactively identifying partners via internal networks and Vatican endorsements. It funds project-specific, capacity, or strategic needs but rarely unrestricted funding. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How much does Galileo Foundation give?

£10,000 – £300,000

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.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

FaithChildren & youthEthnic minorities

How to apply to Galileo Foundation

Galileo Foundation 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.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Galileo Foundation.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Galileo Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Galileo Foundation provide?

Galileo Foundation typically provides grants of £10,000 - £300,000.

Where does Galileo Foundation fund charities?

Galileo Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Galileo Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Galileo Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Galileo Foundation?

Galileo Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.