John Harrison Charitable Trust

The John Harrison Charitable Trust is a specialist grant-making charity registered in England and Wales, dedicated exclusively to advancing multiple sclerosis (MS) research and support. Anchored in targeted medical philanthropy, it channels resources to initiatives that drive breakthroughs in MS understanding, treatment, and care, while enhancing quality of life for those affected. Its distinctive approach is unwaveringly focused on this single cause, reflecting a trustee-led, outcome-oriented philosophy that prioritizes proven MS specialists over broader charitable aims, with no evidence of mission drift across years of stable operations.

The trust funds MS-specific projects, including medical research by institutions, direct support services for patients, and care improvements through specialist organizations. Beneficiaries encompass UK individuals living with MS and the charities, hospitals, or research bodies addressing their needs, with grants supporting targeted project costs or select core activities tied to the MS remit—never unrestricted general purposes.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities and academic institutions with established MS expertise; it favors medium-to-large, recognized entities over small grassroots groups, requiring operations based in the UK for UK-wide impact. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—grants are awarded invite-only at trustees' discretion, typically annually, with no public deadlines, forms, or processes.

Typical grants range from £5,000 to £50,000, often at the lower end except for major research efforts. It excludes all non-MS causes, generalist charities, international projects without UK ties, and unproven newcomers, setting it apart as an enduring, niche funder in the neurological philanthropy landscape.