Manifold Charitable Trust
About This Funder
The Manifold Charitable Trust, established in 1962 by Sir John Smith, is a UK-based generalist grant-maker dedicated to channeling private wealth into public good through sustainable funding for conservation, heritage preservation, and broader charitable causes including historic buildings, churches, arts, education, and the environment. Governed solely by its corporate trustee, The Manifold Trustee Company Limited, it embodies a traditionalist ethos of prudent stewardship and long-term impact, fueled by a unique investment strategy of acquiring near-expired long leases to generate enduring rental income—famously dubbed a "cataract of gold" by its founder. While broadly discretionary under charitable law, it prioritizes high-impact projects in cultural and educational excellence, with enduring commitments like substantial bursaries at Eton College.
The trust supports unrestricted general funding, recurring multi-year grants, core costs, and capital projects for heritage, culture, and environment initiatives, favoring established institutions delivering significant, sustainable outcomes over short-term interventions. Recent grants have concentrated on a handful of recipients, such as Eton College, which received the majority of over £460,000 distributed in 2020 across eight charities.
Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities—medium to large, well-established ones with proven track records, particularly in England and southern England—though funding is technically UK-wide. Unsolicited applications are not accepted since 2013; grants are awarded invite-only at trustee discretion, based on prior relationships or knowledge, with no public process, forms, deadlines, or rounds. Typical awards range from £25,000 to £460,000, often sizable and recurrent.
Distinctively selective and relationship-driven, the trust eschews open calls, individuals, non-charities, or unproven entities, differentiating itself through disciplined, trustee-led support for heritage and educational sustainability amid a generalist remit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manifold Charitable Trust
How much funding does Manifold Charitable Trust provide?
Manifold Charitable Trust typically provides grants ranging from £25,000 - £460,000.
Is Manifold Charitable Trust accepting applications?
Manifold Charitable Trust is currently not accepting applications. Check their website for updates.
Where does Manifold Charitable Trust fund charities?
Manifold Charitable Trust funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Manifold Charitable Trust?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Manifold Charitable Trust, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.