Marjorie Coote Animal Charity Trust

The Trust funds a broad range of animal welfare work, including rescue initiatives such as emergency veterinary services for street animals and injured wildlife, and sanctuary improvements that create safe rehabilitation environments for abused horses, abandoned dogs and rescued birds. Wildlife conservation projects, including habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures, are supported alongside re-homing programmes that match rehabilitated animals with suitable homes.

Therapeutic interventions, such as behavioural rehabilitation for traumatised pets and exotic species, also fall within scope. Ongoing animal care costs – feeding, sheltering and medical treatment for companion animals, farm horses and wild birds – are covered, as is capacity-building for conservation bodies tackling biodiversity loss. Research into alternatives to animal testing is another strand, reflecting the Trust’s support for ethical science. Its focus is on UK charities with overseas-aligned projects, serving animals in crisis, endangered species and sanctuary residents.

Only registered charities can apply; the Trust does not fund individuals. It welcomes applications from UK charities, particularly those with overseas-aligned work, and prioritises organisations with robust re-homing programmes, active rescue operations and high governance standards, including independently examined accounts. The animal groups above – horses, dogs, other animals and birds – are the main beneficiaries, with special attention given to rescued animals in crisis, endangered species and sanctuary residents. There is no religious restriction, and the Trust encourages unsolicited applications from eligible charities.

The Trust does not fund individuals, so personal applications are not considered. Animal importers are excluded from support. Charities without a clear humane destruction policy are also outside scope, as the Trust only works with organisations that follow ethical, welfare-focused practices.

The Trust works through targeted, accountable partnerships with charities that share its emphasis on evidence-based practice and strong financial accountability. It favours practical interventions over generic support and prioritises organisations with independently examined accounts. Unsolicited applications are welcomed, and the Trust is open to approaches from eligible charities.