Gapper Charitable Trust

The Gapper Charitable Trust is a longstanding grant-making trust founded by the Gapper family, registered in the UK (Charity No. 328623), and dedicated to advancing broad, legally charitable purposes for the public benefit across England and Wales. Operating with a small, unpaid board of trustees, it embodies a responsive, generalist ethos focused on enabling charitable organizations through flexible grants, with a historical emphasis on education—such as the Adam Ferguson Scholarship at the University of St Andrews and the Sévigné studentship at King's College London—and arts and culture, including support for the Museum of the Home. Its mission prioritizes organizational capacity, scholarships for diverse students (e.g., from new EU states or mature learners), and cultural enrichment without rigid thematic limits.

The trust funds UK-registered charities and academic institutions operating in England and Wales, showing preference for small and medium-sized entities with modest resources, though no strict income thresholds apply. It supports unrestricted core costs, project-specific work, scholarships, and cultural initiatives aligned with charitable goals, typically awarding £5,000–£30,000 per grant (occasionally up to £50,000).

Notably, it does not accept unsolicited applications, relying instead on trustee discretion and sector networks for selective funding, with ad hoc meetings throughout the year and no deadlines or formal processes. Exclusions include direct support for individuals or non-charitable activities, with no religious restrictions. This discreet, family-rooted funder differentiates itself as a stable, adaptable partner for education and arts organizations seeking general-purpose backing.