Harris Family Charitable Trust
Could Harris Family Charitable Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £5,000 – £25,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Harris Family Charitable Trust
The Harris Family Charitable Trust is a family-governed philanthropic entity founded by the Harris family and established in 1997. With trustees including Ronnie Harris (chair) and relatives Sophie, Toby, Charlotte, and Loretta Harris, its core mission is to apply funds for any lawful charitable purposes across England and Wales. The Trust emphasises a broad, inclusive approach to public benefit under familial stewardship, prioritising flexibility and enduring commitment to community needs. It funds initiatives that advance health or save lives, as well as work supporting children and young people, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those of particular ethnic or racial origins. A distinctive feature is its invite-only approach: opportunities arise through trustee networks and recommendations, with no unsolicited applications accepted. This discreet, family-led model supports broad-impact work for at-risk communities.
What Harris Family Charitable Trust funds
Within England and Wales, the Trust supports initiatives that advance health or save lives, as well as work benefiting children and young people, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and people of particular ethnic or racial origins. Its grants cover project funding, core costs, and unrestricted support, giving organisations the flexibility to respond to pressing needs and improve outcomes. The Trust deliberately avoids highly specific programme restrictions, preferring a generalist approach that meets community needs as they arise. It tends to back broad-impact work for at-risk communities, with an emphasis on equitable opportunities and enduring improvement.
Who can apply
Applicants must be UK-registered charities operating in England and Wales, with no income thresholds or size limits. Small and large organisations are equally considered. The Trust’s priority groups include the people and communities listed above — children and young people, older people, disabled people, and ethnic minority groups. However, funding is by invitation only: opportunities arise through trustee networks and recommendations, and unsolicited applications are not accepted. This model favours organisations already known to the family or introduced by trusted contacts.
What Harris Family Charitable Trust doesn't fund
The Trust places no religious restriction on the charities or communities it supports. It also avoids highly specific programme restrictions, so organisations are not locked into narrow thematic boxes. Because the Trust works through invitation only, charities approaching without a trustee introduction or recommendation will not be considered.
How they like to fund
The Trust makes project grants, core cost grants, and unrestricted awards, giving charities freedom to use funds where they are most needed. Its distinctive working style is invitation-only: opportunities emerge through trustee networks and recommendations, and the Trust does not accept unsolicited approaches. There are no open application rounds or published timetables; support is arranged directly with vetted partners.
How much does Harris Family 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 Harris Family Charitable Trust
Harris Family 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.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Harris Family 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 Harris Family Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Harris Family Charitable Trust provide?
Harris Family Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £5,000 - £25,000.
Where does Harris Family Charitable Trust fund charities?
Harris Family Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Harris Family Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Harris Family Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Harris Family Charitable Trust?
Harris Family 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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