Lady Cobham Foundation

The Foundation funds a broad array of projects across its focus areas. In education and training, it has supported choral music programmes, sailing trusts, and schools. Heritage efforts include memorials and history trusts. Welfare services range from hospice care to animal welfare. Community amenities and initiatives also receive support. The Foundation prioritises established charities delivering local or wider impact in Dorset and Hampshire. Grants can be for project costs, capital expenditure, or occasional core funding.

The Foundation supports UK-registered charities and community groups. It prioritises organisations operating in or benefiting Dorset and Hampshire. Typically, it funds medium-to-large, well-governed charities rather than grassroots groups. Beneficiary groups include children, young people, the elderly, and voluntary bodies.

The Foundation does not support emergency appeals, seed funding, or unrestricted grants. It also typically does not fund grassroots or very small organisations, focusing instead on established charities with a track record. Applications for general running costs without a specific project or capital purpose are unlikely to be considered.

The Foundation works by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited applications. Trustees proactively identify and approach charities that align with their priorities. Funding is provided as project, capital, or occasional core grants. The Foundation exercises absolute discretion in its decisions.