Jill and Norman Franklin Trust

Could Jill and Norman Franklin Trust fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Typical grants
£1,000 – £10,000
Where they fund
North East England, South West of Scotland, United Kingdom
Applications
Accepted
How to apply
Email application
Decisions
Quarterly

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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jnfranklintrust.org.uk

About Jill and Norman Franklin Trust

The Jill and Norman Franklin Trust is an independent UK grant-maker founded by academic publisher Norman Franklin in memory of his wife Jill, an architectural historian. Rooted in social justice, independence, and catalytic support, the Trust champions marginalized groups facing acute exclusion, prioritizing practical aid, empowerment, and systemic change through frontline organisations. It also preserves cultural heritage via targeted church restorations. The Trust is known for its pioneering support of stigmatised causes and strategic backing for dignity-focused projects where others hesitate, operating with family governance.

What Jill and Norman Franklin Trust funds

The Trust funds initiatives for refugees and asylum seekers, especially those with No Recourse to Public Funds, prisoners' education and training, women at risk of domestic abuse, mental health and learning difficulties support, crime desistance, and bereavement counselling. Church grants are strictly for restoration of Grade 1 (or exceptionally Grade 2*) listed buildings' fabric. Social projects are prioritised in North East England and South West Scotland, while church grants are UK-wide. The Trust favours small, grassroots charities and community groups over national ones.

Who can apply

UK-registered charities, community groups, and faith groups can apply. The Trust prioritises small, grassroots organisations working with disadvantaged people in poverty-stricken areas, with a strong emphasis on North East England and South West Scotland for social projects. It favours frontline groups over national charities and welcomes unsolicited applications.

What Jill and Norman Franklin Trust doesn't fund

The Trust does not fund large organisations, church running costs or equipment, or non-qualifying heritage sites. It also does not support projects outside its priority geographic areas for social work, except for church restorations which are UK-wide.

How they like to fund

The Trust provides one-off grants, typically for catalytic, dignity-focused projects. It welcomes unsolicited applications and supports both practical aid and systemic change through frontline organisations. Funding is directed to small, grassroots charities and community groups.

How much does Jill and Norman Franklin Trust give?

£1,000 – £10,000

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.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction
Focus areas
Ethnic minoritiesEducationMental healthWomen & girls

How to apply to Jill and Norman Franklin Trust

Jill and Norman Franklin Trust takes applications via email application.

  • Decisions are typically quarterly.
  • Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

  1. 1
    Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
  2. 2
    See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
  3. 3
    Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if Jill and Norman Franklin Trust could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Jill and Norman Franklin Trust provide?

Jill and Norman Franklin Trust typically provides grants of £1,000 - £10,000.

Where does Jill and Norman Franklin Trust fund charities?

Jill and Norman Franklin Trust funds charities operating in North East England, South West of Scotland, United Kingdom.

Does Jill and Norman Franklin Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Jill and Norman Franklin Trust accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

How do I apply for funding from Jill and Norman Franklin Trust?

Jill and Norman Franklin Trust takes applications via email application. Decisions are typically quarterly.

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Could Jill and Norman Franklin Trust be a fit?

Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.