Igy Foundation

The I.G.Y. Foundation, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation established in 2014 by investor Nick Sleep as his personal philanthropic vehicle from the Nomad Investment Partnership, quietly channels investment gains into transformative social good. Inspired by the collaborative spirit of the International Geophysical Year and Chuck Feeney's low-profile giving, it emphasises maximum impact with minimal publicity, treating philanthropy as a stewardship partnership rather than transactions. Trustees conduct rigorous personal research to identify grassroots-led charities, prioritising long-term commitments, core capacity building, and scaling of high-potential work over short-term metrics or self-promotional efforts.

It focuses exclusively on advancing charitable activities benefiting children, young people, and people with disabilities across England and Wales, funding direct delivery organisations that demonstrate evidence-based needs and substantial social impact. Support includes unrestricted core funding, project grants, and capacity enhancements for small to medium-sized, grassroots entities, with repeat and multi-year awards to enable ambitious growth.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities operating in England and Wales, with a preference for smaller organisations showing thoughtful, need-driven missions; there are no formal income thresholds or geographic sub-restrictions within these areas. Funding is strictly invite-only and trustee-initiated on a rolling basis—no unsolicited applications, deadlines, or open rounds are accepted, though charities may use the website's contact form without guarantee of response. Typical grants range from £50,000 to £250,000+.

Distinctive for its anonymous giving, aversion to intermediaries, advocacy, lobbying, or political causes, and investment-led model spending from capital for sustained impact, the Foundation stands out by proactively seeking under-appreciated excellence rather than responding to pitches.