Martin Bowley Charitable Trust
Could Martin Bowley Charitable Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £500 – £20,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Martin Bowley Charitable Trust
The Martin Bowley Charitable Trust, established in 2005, is a grant-making charity dedicated to promoting the physical and mental health of HIV sufferers in England and Wales, supporting their families and carers, and relieving financial hardship for young people training in the performing arts or working as playwrights. Guided by its founder's vision, the Trust embodies values of combating stigma, fostering well-being for marginalised HIV communities, and nurturing young creative talent through strategic, high-trust grantmaking by voluntary trustees. The Trust funds HIV-related interventions such as advocacy, stigma reduction, and health support, alongside grants for young performers' training costs and playwrights facing hardship. It supports small to medium charities and exceptional individuals delivering direct impact for HIV-affected groups or emerging artists, with a strong focus on targeted, marginalised work over generalist efforts.
What Martin Bowley Charitable Trust funds
The Trust funds work that directly supports people living with HIV, including advocacy, stigma reduction, and health support services. It also provides grants to help young performers with training costs and to support playwrights facing financial hardship. Geographically, the Trust focuses its funding on England and Wales, prioritising targeted, marginalised work over generalist efforts. The Trust's distinctive approach combines HIV advocacy with arts support, making it a niche funder in these intersecting areas.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or individuals based in England and Wales whose work aligns with the Trust's objectives. The Trust supports small to medium charities (often with modest incomes) as well as exceptional individuals who deliver direct impact for HIV-affected groups or emerging artists. It shows a preference for targeted, marginalised-focused work over generalist efforts. The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications, operating on an invite-only basis.
What Martin Bowley Charitable Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund core costs, capital projects, or work outside its core themes of HIV support and performing arts training. It also does not accept unsolicited applications, so funding is only available to those invited to apply.
How they like to fund
The Trust operates on an invite-only basis, with funding decisions made by voluntary trustees. It provides grants for projects, unrestricted activities, or career development, but excludes core costs and capital projects. The Trust's approach is relationship-driven, with a focus on sustained support for its chosen beneficiaries.
How much does Martin Bowley 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 Martin Bowley Charitable Trust
Martin Bowley 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 Martin Bowley 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 Martin Bowley Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Martin Bowley Charitable Trust provide?
Martin Bowley Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £500 - £20,000.
Where does Martin Bowley Charitable Trust fund charities?
Martin Bowley Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Martin Bowley Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Martin Bowley Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Martin Bowley Charitable Trust?
Martin Bowley 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.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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