John Slater Foundation

The John Slater Foundation, established in 1964 by Elizabeth Anne and Irene Slater in honour of their brother John Slater—a distinguished footballer, industrialist, and MP for Eastbourne—is a UK grantmaking charity governed by a trust deed from 1963. Run by a corporate trustee and committee with robust financial oversight, it advances general charitable purposes rooted in the founder's philanthropic legacy, emphasizing community wellbeing in areas tied to his life: the North West of England (e.g., Adlington, Bolton, Stoke-on-Trent) and Eastbourne. Its distinctive approach prioritizes stable, relational giving to local, community-rooted projects, distributing around £130,000 annually to a select few organizations for initiatives enhancing opportunities and local heritage across diverse themes like voluntary services, without rigid sectoral restrictions.

It funds a broad spectrum of charitable activities, including project work, core costs, capital expenditures, and organizational development for registered charities, focusing on grassroots efforts that align with community values rather than national-scale programs.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, particularly small to medium-sized ones with incomes under £1 million, based anywhere in England and Wales but with strong preference for those in the North West or Eastbourne; no religious restrictions apply. Applications are unsolicited and accepted year-round via email or post with clear documentation of charitable status and needs—no formal guidelines or portal exist.

Typical grants range from £5,000 to £25,000 (averaging £10,000–£20,000), mostly single-year and unrestricted within charitable remits, decided at quarterly committee meetings; submit months in advance as timelines vary. It excludes individuals, unregistered groups, and large national entities, standing out for its family-ethos continuity, place-based focus, and deliberative support of enduring local philanthropy.