Guardian Foundation

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

Typical grants: £10,000 – £50,000
Applications: By invitation only

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

Check fit free · no card

About Guardian Foundation

The Guardian Foundation is the charitable arm of The Scott Trust Limited, which owns the Guardian Media Group. Established to uphold independent journalism, it promotes global press freedom, access to reliable journalism, and news literacy. Its work is guided by principles of human rights, the right to information, safeguarding, inclusivity, and resilient, representative journalism. The Foundation funds through proactive partnerships and invite-only collaborations, seeking mission-aligned organisations. Distinctively, it draws on deep ties to The Guardian's newsroom and a theory of change that blends education with sector sustainability.

What Guardian Foundation funds

The Foundation supports news literacy programmes for children aged 7-18, including classroom resources, teacher training, workshops, and virtual newsroom experiences. It also offers journalism bursaries, awards, and international media capacity-building for journalists and news organisations in compromised democracies. Beneficiaries include schools and communities, particularly in London boroughs and Greater Manchester, as well as aspiring journalists, educators, and press freedom advocates.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, academic institutions, and community groups. The Foundation prioritises schools and communities in London boroughs and Greater Manchester, as well as aspiring journalists, educators, and press freedom advocates. There are no income thresholds or geographic restrictions, though programmes target UK-wide with international reach. Funding is invite-only, so organisations should demonstrate mission alignment in press freedom, education, and resilient journalism.

What Guardian Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not fund unrestricted core costs or capital projects. It also does not support activities outside its focus on press freedom, news literacy, and journalism capacity-building.

How they like to fund

The Foundation funds through proactive partnerships and invite-only collaborations, seeking mission-aligned organisations. It does not accept unsolicited applications, and its funding style is based on building relationships with partners whose work aligns with its mission.

How much does Guardian Foundation give?

£10,000 – £50,000

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

Children & youthEducation

How to apply to Guardian Foundation

Guardian 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 Guardian 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 Guardian Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Guardian Foundation provide?

Guardian Foundation typically provides grants of £10,000 - £50,000.

Where does Guardian Foundation fund charities?

Guardian Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Guardian Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Guardian Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Guardian Foundation?

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