Lord Barnby's Foundation

Lord Barnby's Foundation is an endowed, grant-making charity established by trust deed in 1966 as a flexible vehicle for general charitable purposes, guided by trustees without a rigid strategic framework or living founder's mission. Operating UK-wide from a modest asset base, it embodies a traditional, reactive philanthropy, prioritizing public benefit across established charitable classes through trustee discretion at three annual meetings (February, June, November).

The foundation supports a broad spectrum of causes, including health and lifesaving efforts, disability services, poverty relief, environmental conservation, heritage preservation, and animal welfare, with a tangible preference for charities aiding children and young people, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Grants fund diverse recipients like substance misuse recovery programs (e.g., Forward Trust), animal welfare (e.g., SPANA), faith-based heritage repairs, conservation projects, and offender rehabilitation, covering core costs, projects, capital, or general purposes without thematic silos or multi-year commitments.

Eligible applicants are solely UK-registered charities (no non-charities), typically established small- to medium-sized organizations with incomes from under £100,000 to millions, operating anywhere in the UK (primarily England and Wales evidenced). No strict income thresholds apply, but proven track records align best.

Unsolicited applications are welcomed year-round via email or post—no form required, just a brief organization/project description and recent accounts—with outcomes notified within 2-3 months. Typical grants range £500–£12,000 (mostly £2,000–£3,000). Exclusions include non-charitable bodies and general religious activities (faith grants limited to heritage/repairs, avoiding statutory/lottery-funded major works). Distinctives: no website or online portal, fully trustee-led, favoring less prominent causes over innovation or collaborations.