Maitri Trust

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

Typical grants: £300,000 – £1,000,000
Applications: By invitation only
Decisions: As needed

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

Check fit free · no card

maitritrust.org.uk

About Maitri Trust

The Maitri Trust is an independent UK charitable foundation, established in 2006 by Stewart Investors. It is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers to quality primary education in India and South Africa, ensuring every child can reach their full potential. The Trust operates on values of partnership, equity, long-term impact, and trust-based philanthropy, favouring flexible unrestricted grants and strategic support over transactional funding. It seeks to collaborate with committed organisations driving large-scale, sustainable reforms within government primary school systems. The Trust exclusively funds systems-level education reform initiatives targeting the most disadvantaged children. Its focus areas include teacher development, school leadership, early childhood transitions, learning assessments, and community-school engagement. Geographically, it concentrates on India’s Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi regions, alongside national, provincial, and district work in South Africa. Eligible partners are medium to large NGOs, networks, or consortia with proven track records in multi-year systemic education reform; small grassroots groups or UK-based work are not supported. What makes the Maitri Trust distinctive is its deep thematic specialism and aversion to quick wins or project silos. It does not fund capital-only projects, emergency relief, or any work outside its education reform niche.

What Maitri Trust funds

The Maitri Trust funds systems-level education reform initiatives aimed at improving primary education for the most disadvantaged children. Its focus areas include teacher development, school leadership, early childhood transitions, learning assessments, and community-school engagement. The Trust supports work that drives large-scale, sustainable reforms within government primary school systems, favouring holistic approaches that align with broader educational equity goals. Geographically, it concentrates on India’s Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi regions, as well as national, provincial, and district-level work in South Africa. The Trust prioritises multi-year, systemic change over quick wins or isolated projects, and it values collaboration and strategic support over transactional funding.

Who can apply

Eligible partners are medium to large NGOs, networks, or consortia with proven track records in multi-year, systemic education reform. There is no geographic base restriction, but activities must target the specified regions in India or South Africa. The Trust does not support small grassroots groups or UK-based work. It seeks committed organisations that can drive large-scale, sustainable reforms within government primary school systems, with a focus on the most disadvantaged children. The Trust’s approach is partnership-led, favouring organisations that share its values of equity, long-term impact, and trust-based philanthropy.

What Maitri Trust doesn't fund

The Maitri Trust does not fund capital-only projects, emergency relief, or any work outside its education reform niche. It also does not support small grassroots groups or UK-based work. The Trust avoids quick wins and project silos, preferring initiatives that are part of a broader systemic strategy.

How they like to fund

The Maitri Trust operates on an invitation-only basis, with no unsolicited applications or open calls. It proactively sources partners through research and recommendations, offering multi-year flexible grants that can cover core costs, capacity building, and collaboration. The Trust favours unrestricted funding and strategic support, reflecting its trust-based philanthropy approach. It works in partnership with organisations, engaging actively rather than transactionally.

How much does Maitri Trust give?

£300,000 – £1,000,000

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

EducationChildren & youth

How to apply to Maitri Trust

Maitri 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

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Maitri Trust.
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 Maitri Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Maitri Trust provide?

Maitri Trust typically provides grants of £300,000 - £1,000,000.

Where does Maitri Trust fund charities?

Maitri Trust funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Maitri Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Maitri Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Maitri Trust?

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