Leathersellers' Foundation

The Leathersellers' Foundation, rooted in the 1444 Worshipful Company of Leathersellers, is a historic UK grant-maker blending six centuries of civic stewardship with modern philanthropy. Guided by the motto 'Soli Deo Honor et Gloria', it enables opportunities for individuals and communities through education, supports the UK leather trade, and drives positive change for vulnerable people, emphasizing long-term well-being, social mobility, and evidence-based impact via relationship-based funding and transparent 360Giving data-sharing.

It prioritizes two programmes: Main Grants targeting prevention and recovery from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) like abuse, neglect, and trauma for children, youth, and adult survivors; and Small Grants for core costs of small charities aiding vulnerable groups in deprived UK communities. Funding spans general charitable purposes, education (including universities and its Federation of Schools), health, poverty relief, arts/heritage (leather-focused), environment, disabilities, elderly, and children—also supporting individuals like students and almshouse residents—across the UK with a deprivation focus.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or academic institutions with 1+ years of accounts: Small Grants for incomes under £200,000; Main Grants for £200,000–£2 million. Applications are unsolicited via online forms—Small on rolling windows (next opens 15 December 2025 at 10am, closes at 40 submissions); Main via two-stage Expression of Interest (next window TBD post-2025). Small grants up to £5,000 one-off; Main £20,000–£25,000/year unrestricted for up to 4 years, with decisions monthly for Small, December 2025/March 2026 for Main.

Exclusions include capital projects, hospices, medical research, and fee-for-access services. Distinctive for its heritage-industry ties, multi-year core funding, and nationwide reach prioritizing frontline impact in high-need areas.