Gosling Foundation Limited

Gosling Foundation Limited, established in 1985 by the late Sir Donald Gosling, is a private UK grant-making foundation dedicated to advancing charitable purposes for public benefit through practical, impactful support. Rooted in the founder's ethos, it prioritizes tangible societal differences, with a distinctive legacy of backing the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, youth development groups, and the voluntary sector. Operating from a robust endowment, it sustains substantial grants—£3.2 million in 2024—via trustee discretion, favoring credible organizations with proven track records in military welfare and youth leadership.

The foundation funds welfare and advancement for service personnel, veterans, and their families, alongside youth programs fostering discipline, personal growth, and skills through groups like Sea Cadets, Scouts, and Girl Guides. Supported activities include capital projects (buildings, refurbishments, equipment), project-specific costs, tied salaries, and beneficiary-focused events like educational trips. Key programs feature the dedicated Cadet Fund for Sea Cadets units and targeted Royal Navy/Royal Marines initiatives, emphasizing sustainable, direct-impact projects across the UK.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, CIOs, or CICs with income under £30 million and at least two years of accounts, operating UK-wide (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland); overseas projects are rare except for serving personnel. Typical grants range £5,000–£100,000 (Cadet Fund capped at £5,000), with multi-year pledges exceptional.

Unsolicited applications are welcomed year-round via online forms (eligibility quiz first: General, Royal Navy/Royal Marines, or Sea Cadets), reviewed rolling by trustees (decisions in ~6 weeks); Cadet Fund deadlines are 30 June and 31 December. Exclusions encompass unrestricted/core funding (beyond 5% discretionary), emergencies, research, or sole-source requests—distinguishing it as an anchor for capital-heavy military/youth causes.