Lankelly Chase

Could Lankelly Chase be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £50,000 – £250,000
Applications: Not accepted

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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lankellychaselegacy.org.uk

About Lankelly Chase

Lankelly Chase is an independent UK charitable foundation established in 2004 through the merger of the Lankelly Foundation and Chase Charity, both originating in the 1960s. Its core mission is to dismantle unjust systems that perpetuate severe and multiple disadvantage—cycles of homelessness, mental ill health, violence, substance misuse, and inequalities arising from racism and gender. Guided by values of justice, equity, inclusion, shared humanity, humility, and reflection, it pioneered a shift from traditional grant-making to participatory systems change, power devolution to lived-experience networks, grassroots activism, and community-led decision-making. Now in a managed closure phase, it models radical philanthropy by relinquishing control to frontline actors.

What Lankelly Chase funds

Historically, the foundation funded initiatives tackling intertwined social harms, social justice, racism, mental health, domestic abuse, women in criminal justice, short-term prisoners, and poverty. Support went to lived-experience networks, local inquiries, collective action, cultural shifts, and place-based partnerships in England and Scotland. The focus was on addressing severe and multiple disadvantage through systemic change rather than individual projects. This included work on homelessness, mental ill health, violence, substance misuse, and inequalities arising from racism and gender, with an emphasis on grassroots activism and community-led decision-making.

Who can apply

Eligible entities were UK-registered charities and community groups based in the UK, with no strict income limits but preference for those closest to disadvantage. Beneficiaries were marginalised communities with complex needs, emphasising grassroots groups, small charities, and changemaker networks over conventional organisations. There were no religious restrictions. The foundation prioritised those with lived experience of severe and multiple disadvantage.

What Lankelly Chase doesn't fund

Lankelly Chase does not accept unsolicited applications or enquiries, as grant-making has ceased. It uniquely rejects top-down philanthropy, sector silos, and short-term outputs, prioritising long-term systemic equity and community leadership as its enduring legacy.

How they like to fund

The foundation pioneered a shift from traditional grant-making to participatory systems change, power devolution to lived-experience networks, grassroots activism, and community-led decision-making. It supported core funding, projects, capacity building, and devolved participatory grants, focusing on long-term systemic equity rather than short-term outputs.

How much does Lankelly Chase give?

£50,000 – £250,000

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.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

HomelessnessMental healthPoverty & hardshipWomen & girlsEthnic minorities

How to apply to Lankelly Chase

Lankelly Chase does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.

A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Lankelly Chase.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Lankelly Chase could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Lankelly Chase provide?

Lankelly Chase typically provides grants of £50,000 - £250,000.

Where does Lankelly Chase fund charities?

Lankelly Chase funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Lankelly Chase accept unsolicited applications?

Lankelly Chase does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Lankelly Chase?

Lankelly Chase does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.