Kirby Laing Foundation
Could Kirby Laing Foundation fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £2,000 – £20,000
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Postal application
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Get a draft in 2 minutes · no card
laingfamilytrusts.org.ukAbout Kirby Laing Foundation
The Kirby Laing Foundation, established in 1972 by Sir Kirby Laing, is a UK family philanthropy rooted in the Laing family's Evangelical Christian heritage. Its mission combines the sustainable growth of Evangelical Christianity with addressing broader social needs through long-term, evidence-based grants. The Foundation favours sustainable, replicable capital projects with transformational impact. They work UK-wide and support UK-registered charities, churches and academic institutions, with overseas work channelled through UK entities. Distinctively, the Foundation collaborates with other Laing Trusts for cross-matching.
What Kirby Laing Foundation funds
The Foundation's funding spans five themes: advancing Evangelical faith through church growth, theology research and endowed chairs; improving elderly and end-of-life care via research and training; nurturing disadvantaged youth talent in music and theatre; supporting poverty alleviation, health and education overseas through UK partners; and fostering ethical innovation in science and engineering. Grants typically back capital projects such as construction, equipment, and scholarships. The Foundation works UK-wide, with overseas work channelled through UK entities.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, churches with exempt status, or academic institutions operating UK-wide. The Foundation prefers faith-based (Christian) organisations. There are no income thresholds, but a focus on organisations demonstrating need and delivery capacity. Overseas work must channel through UK entities. The Foundation supports disadvantaged youth, the elderly, and those in poverty, among other groups.
What Kirby Laing Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not fund overseas charities, umbrella bodies, most schools or NHS trusts, sports, animal welfare, lobbying, general appeals, core salaries, or ongoing costs. These exclusions reflect a focus on capital projects and direct delivery through UK-registered entities.
How they like to fund
The Foundation provides long-term, evidence-based grants, prioritising sustainable, replicable capital projects. They collaborate with other Laing Trusts for cross-matching. Unsolicited applications are welcome, and the Foundation considers both income and capital to support its grants.
How much does Kirby Laing Foundation give?
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.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Kirby Laing Foundation
Kirby Laing Foundation takes applications via postal application.
- Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Kirby Laing Foundation could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Kirby Laing Foundation provide?
Kirby Laing Foundation typically provides grants of £2,000 - £20,000.
Where does Kirby Laing Foundation fund charities?
Kirby Laing Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Kirby Laing Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Kirby Laing Foundation 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 Kirby Laing Foundation?
Kirby Laing Foundation takes applications via postal application. Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
Browse related grants
Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.
Could Kirby Laing Foundation be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.