Headley Court Charity
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- Typical grants
- £500,000 – £6,000,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Headley Court Charity
The Headley Court Charity was established in 1940. Originally set up to provide specialist medical rehabilitation for Royal Air Force personnel injured in the Second World War, it later expanded to support all British Armed Forces. Its mission is to advance rehabilitation, research, and holistic wellbeing for serving and former military members, driven by values of innovation, impact, and military welfare. Following the sale of its facility, the charity now operates as a legacy grant-maker, distributing its reserves through large-scale investments in partner organisations. It focuses on high-impact projects that perpetuate its ethos, drawing on a distinctive military heritage and clinical expertise.
What Headley Court Charity funds
The charity supports projects in armed forces rehabilitation, including state-of-the-art orthopaedic centres, clinical research such as longitudinal studies, multi-disciplinary health initiatives, mental health and trauma support, and welfare services. It prioritises investments in facilities, research capacity, specialist training, and sustainable wrap-around care. These projects are delivered across the UK, often in partnership with NHS Trusts and academic institutions. The charity also supports the development of new clinical interventions and the expansion of existing services to ensure comprehensive care for veterans and service personnel. Funding is directed towards initiatives that demonstrate innovation and potential for lasting impact within the armed forces rehabilitation sector.
Who can apply
Beneficiaries are exclusively UK armed forces personnel and veterans. Eligible organisations include UK-registered charities and academic institutions. The charity typically works with established medium-to-large organisations, such as NHS Trusts, that have a proven track record of delivering services for the military community. While there are no strict income thresholds, smaller groups are less common due to the large-scale nature of the grants. The charity prioritises organisations with clinical expertise and a strong connection to the armed forces community. It also considers academic institutions conducting research relevant to rehabilitation and wellbeing. Funding is restricted to entities that can demonstrate alignment with the charity's mission and values.
What Headley Court Charity doesn't fund
The charity does not fund work outside the armed forces community, speculative requests, or small-scale or core funding. It also excludes projects that do not align with its focus on rehabilitation, research, and holistic wellbeing for serving and former military personnel. General health or welfare initiatives not specifically for the military community are not supported. The charity also does not provide funding for organisations that cannot demonstrate a track record of delivering for the military community.
How they like to fund
The charity works solely by invitation, with trustees proactively identifying and approaching potential partners. It provides one-off capital or project investments at a large scale, focusing on high-impact legacy projects. The charity's funding approach is collaborative, partnering with established organisations to deliver lasting impact. Grants are invested in specific initiatives rather than ongoing core costs, designed to support transformative projects within armed forces rehabilitation.
How much does Headley Court Charity 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 Headley Court Charity
Headley Court Charity 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.
- Decisions are typically as needed.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Headley Court Charity.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
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Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Headley Court Charity provide?
Headley Court Charity typically provides grants of £500,000 - £6,000,000.
Where does Headley Court Charity fund charities?
Headley Court Charity funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Headley Court Charity accept unsolicited applications?
Headley Court Charity does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Headley Court Charity?
Headley Court Charity does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
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