Inverforth Charitable Trust

The Inverforth Charitable Trust is a grant-making charity established in 1977 through a major endowment from the second Lord Inverforth, derived from the family’s Andrew Weir & Company Limited. Its mission centers on advancing broad charitable purposes at the absolute discretion of trustees, emphasizing long-term philanthropy via annual income from invested assets. Rooted in values of stability, continuity, and public benefit, the trust adopts a selective, relationship-driven approach, providing sustained core funding to a consistent group of around eleven principal charities, fostering enduring partnerships over open competitions.

It prioritizes well-established organizations delivering impact in health and hospices (including end-of-life care), youth development, music, and the arts, with beneficiaries spanning major national institutions and reputable third-sector bodies across the UK, from England to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Funding supports ongoing operations rather than discrete projects, enabling reliable service delivery in these cross-sector areas.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities operating UK-wide, with a preference for medium to large, proven entities; unsolicited applications are not accepted, as grants are awarded invite-only based on trustee networks and alignment. Typical grants range from £1,000 to £20,000 annually, decided at yearly trustee meetings with no public deadlines.

Distinctive for its historic family governance and discreet strategy, the trust avoids one-off or project-based awards, religious restrictions, or open rounds, differentiating it as a strategic, low-profile supporter of established charities embodying its founding ethos of selective, impactful continuity.