Lyons Charitable Trust
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- Typical grants
- £1,000 – £10,000
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Lyons Charitable Trust
Established in 1995, the Lyons Charitable Trust is a discreet, family-linked grant-making trust. With a small board of three trustees, its mission is to provide financial support to UK-registered charities across a broad range of sectors without predefined thematic priorities. The trust operates quietly, with no website or promotional materials, emphasising trustee-led discretion. Its funding character is traditional and low-profile, focusing on general charitable purposes rather than specific causes or beneficiaries. The trust supports both unrestricted and restricted grants for core costs, projects, or capital needs, reflecting a classic philanthropic approach aimed at enduring public benefit.
What Lyons Charitable Trust funds
The Lyons Charitable Trust funds a wide spectrum of charitable work across the UK, with no fixed focus on particular causes, beneficiaries, or activities. Historical grants have supported small to medium-sized charities nationwide, covering general charitable purposes rather than direct services or individuals. The trust provides financial support for core costs, projects, and capital needs, offering both unrestricted and restricted grants. While it does not prioritise specific themes, its grants have spanned diverse sectors, reflecting the trustees' broad discretion.
Who can apply
Eligibility is limited to UK-registered charities, with a preference for smaller to medium-sized organisations. The trust prioritises general charitable purposes and does not specify particular beneficiary groups, though it focuses on charities rather than individuals or direct services. There are no faith requirements or geographical restrictions beyond the UK. The trust does not accept unsolicited applications, so charities must be identified by the trustees themselves.
What Lyons Charitable Trust doesn't fund
The trust excludes non-UK entities, individuals, and any organisation that proactively submits an application. It does not fund direct services to individuals or activities that fall outside general charitable purposes. As a trustee-discretionary funder, it only considers charities that have been internally identified, so unsolicited approaches are not supported.
How they like to fund
Grants are awarded at the trustees' discretion, with no provision for unsolicited applications. The trust funds both unrestricted and restricted grants, supporting core costs, projects, and capital needs. Its approach is entirely internal, relying on trustee review rather than public calls or application processes. There is no fixed schedule or meeting cadence, and the trust does not publish details of its funding rounds.
How much does Lyons Charitable Trust give?
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.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Lyons Charitable Trust
Lyons Charitable Trust 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.
- Decisions are typically as needed.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Lyons Charitable Trust.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Lyons Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Lyons Charitable Trust provide?
Lyons Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £1,000 - £10,000.
Where does Lyons Charitable Trust fund charities?
Lyons Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Lyons Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Lyons Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Lyons Charitable Trust?
Lyons Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
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