Leslie Smith Foundation

The Foundation funds UK-registered charities delivering direct benefits in paediatric healthcare, hospice services, and specialised schools. It supports a range of costs including project costs, core costs, and occasional capital expenditure. The focus is on improving quality of life for vulnerable children with life-changing medical conditions, providing palliative and end-of-life care through hospices, and enabling access to education for young people with special needs. Geographically, the Foundation operates throughout England and Wales, with no regional restrictions. It has a preference for small and medium-sized charities but welcomes both existing and new applicants whose work aligns closely with these themes.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities. The Foundation welcomes both existing recipients and new applicants. It has a preference for small and medium-sized charities, though charities of any size may apply if their work fits the core focus. The Foundation prioritises organisations that deliver direct benefits to vulnerable children, particularly those with life-changing medical conditions, and young people with special needs. There are no religious restrictions or income thresholds. Individual applicants are not supported.

The Foundation does not fund broad or unaligned causes. It focuses exclusively on child medical support, hospices, and special needs education, and avoids general charitable purposes outside these areas. It does not fund individuals.

The Foundation provides project grants, core costs, and occasional capital support. It considers both repeat funding for proven recipients and new applications. The Foundation accepts unsolicited approaches from charities whose work aligns closely with its focus areas. It is administered by a family-led board of trustees.