Knightland Foundation

The Knightland Foundation, established in 2011 and registered with the UK Charity Commission, is a faith-driven grantmaker dedicated to relieving financial hardship—especially among the Orthodox Jewish community—advancing Orthodox Jewish religious practice, and supporting education aligned with Orthodox teachings. Initially funded by donations from companies owned by founding trustee Jacob Friedman, it built a substantial asset base through London and Hartlepool property investments and trading subsidiaries. Following a 2023 Charity Commission inquiry into governance failings like conflicts of interest and poor decision-making, the board was overhauled with fully independent trustees, emphasizing robust trusteeship and long-term community empowerment.

It prioritizes grants for Orthodox Jewish schools, community organizations, and welfare initiatives, funding religious education, faith-based activities, community facilities, poverty alleviation, and occasional capital projects for buildings. Support targets direct relief of economic need, sustaining religious life, and educational provision, with a focus on established entities fostering measurable impact in these areas.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities, community groups, or academic institutions serving Orthodox Jewish communities in England—particularly London and Teesside—medium to large organizations with strong track records preferred; grassroots groups are unlikely fits. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; grants are invite-only, selected at trustees' discretion through established relationships.

Typical grants range from £10,000 to £250,000, often £25,000–£75,000 annually for multi-year projects, awarded adhoc without fixed deadlines or public processes. Distinctively, it excludes non-Jewish causes, micro-grants, and unproven applicants, differentiating itself via its property-backed resources, strict Orthodox focus, and post-regulatory renewal commitment to ethical, impactful philanthropy.