Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation

The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, established in 2013 by the late comedian Sir Ken Dodd and chaired by his widow Anne, Lady Dodd, champions performing arts charities and organizations to advance his lifelong passion for arts, comedy, and youth well-being. Rooted in the belief that laughter, health, and creative expression transform lives—especially for children and young people—its core values emphasize happiness, inclusion, excellence in music and theatre, and health through engagement. With a lighthearted yet strategic ethos tied to Britain's beloved entertainer, it makes relational, legacy-driven grants via a small trustee board, prioritizing transformative projects over bureaucracy.

It funds initiatives in health (laughter and youth activity), happiness (building confidence, joy, and life skills), and performing arts (creativity, theatre, music), targeting children, young people, and communities. Supported activities include capital projects like sports pitches, performance gardens, learning spaces, scholarships for emerging talent, outdoor adventures, and outreach—exemplified by grants to Knotty Ash Primary School, Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust, Shakespeare North Playhouse, Showtown museum, and Liverpool Theatre School. While favoring Liverpool and Merseyside due to Dodd's roots, it supports causes across England and Wales.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups, particularly small to medium-sized with grassroots impact on youth; no strict income limits or geographic base required, though regional ties strengthen alignment. It does not accept unsolicited applications—funding is proactively trustee-selected with no deadlines or public process—and excludes unrestricted core costs or emergency relief. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £250,000 for project, capital, scholarship, and development work, awarded adhoc to enable access, empowerment, and joyful creative growth.