Kobler Trust

The Kobler Trust, established in 1963 by Fred Kobler and registered as charity number 275237 in England and Wales, is a discreet, generalist funder administered by trustees in London. Its broad mission supports any charitable purpose across the UK, guided by values of flexibility, stability, stewardship, and public benefit. With no public website or fixed priorities, it responds nimbly to evolving needs through consensus-driven decisions at regular trustee meetings, drawing from a significant investment portfolio to enable consistent, modest grant-making.

The trust prioritises small grants for arts and culture (e.g., Armonico Consort, Hallé Concerts Society, Birmingham Rep), children and young people (e.g., Caudwell Children, Cerebra), hospices (e.g., Beaumond House), Jewish causes and heritage (e.g., Anne Frank Trust), and social welfare initiatives like education, health, and community support (e.g., Alternatives to Violence Project, Crawley Open House). Funding covers project costs, core activities, and general charitable work, favouring vulnerable communities, youth, and grassroots efforts.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities, with a preference for smaller organisations operating anywhere in England and Wales; no strict income limits or religious restrictions apply. Applications are simple letters detailing the charity and purpose, accepted unsolicited on a rolling basis year-round, reviewed at several annual trustee meetings or between them—no deadlines, forms, or acknowledgements for rejections.

Distinctively low-profile and flexible, the trust avoids large capital projects, multi-year commitments, or non-UK entities, focusing on modest £500–£1,000 grants (rarely over £2,000) to diverse, aligned causes, making it ideal for small charities seeking discreet, reliable support without bureaucratic hurdles.