Imagine Foundation

The Trust funds grassroots and emerging charities tackling social disadvantage through pilot schemes, capacity-building, organisational development, and core costs that foster resilience and learning. It supports initiatives that empower individuals and communities facing marginalisation, advancing collaboration and innovative models that can be replicated across networks. The funder does not support ongoing capital or established programmes, focusing instead on the kinds of work that build organisational capacity and generate sector-wide insights. Grants are made across England, Scotland, and Wales, reflecting its commitment to small-scale, catalytic projects.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities operating in England, Scotland, or Wales. The Trust shows a strong preference for small, early-stage organisations closely tied to disadvantaged communities and demonstrating potential for wider sectoral learning. Those with limited resources are particularly welcomed, though no strict income thresholds apply. The funder prioritises grassroots charities that are empowerment-focused and can show how their work advances opportunity, inclusion, and community cohesion.

The Imagine Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications—funding is exclusively by invitation. It avoids generalist or publicity-driven giving and does not support ongoing capital projects, established programmes, or large-scale operations. The Trust does not fund individuals or organisations outside England, Scotland, and Wales.

Funding is invite-only via a selective, relationship-based model, with trustees identifying partners proactively. The Trust provides grants for pilot schemes, core costs, and capacity-building, emphasising catalytic impact over large-scale operations. It supports initiatives that foster resilience and learning, offering a distinctive, private approach to grant-making that prioritises shared learning for community-led change.