Martin Smith Foundation
Could Martin Smith Foundation fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £2,500 – £25,000
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Postal application
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Martin Smith Foundation
The Martin Smith Foundation is a UK-registered grantmaking charity established in 2013 by Sir Martin Gregory Smith. Its mission is to promote public benefit through targeted philanthropy, reflecting the founder's personal interests in cultural, educational, ecological, and social improvement. The Foundation takes a generalist approach, balancing current and future needs via robust governance and investment strategies. It supports both individuals and organisations to foster societal well-being, funding a wide range of causes including performing arts, education, environment, sport, poverty relief, and religion. What makes the Foundation distinctive is its philanthropic breadth and openness to a wide range of causes, eschewing narrow focus or invitation-only models.
What Martin Smith Foundation funds
The Foundation funds diverse initiatives including project work, core costs, capacity building, capital projects, and unrestricted support on a case-by-case basis. It makes one-off grants to individuals for education expenses such as course fees and equipment. Cause areas include performing arts, music, educational programs, environmental conservation and ecology, amateur sport, poverty alleviation, and religious activities. Grants are made primarily in England and Wales but the Foundation is open to supporting aims globally. The Foundation prioritises alignment with its multifaceted charitable objects over well-resourced national causes.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, voluntary bodies, and community groups, as well as individuals for education-related grants. The Foundation prefers small to medium-sized charities and does not typically fund large organisations with substantial income or assets. There are no religious restrictions on applicants. Beneficiaries include the general public and people in need. The Foundation welcomes applications from organisations based in England and Wales, though its objects are worldwide.
What Martin Smith Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not typically fund large organisations with substantial income or assets, preferring smaller charities. No other specific exclusions are stated; it considers a broad range of causes and costs.
How they like to fund
The Foundation funds on a case-by-case basis, supporting project work, core costs, capacity building, capital projects, and unrestricted support. It makes one-off grants to individuals for education. The Foundation welcomes unsolicited approaches and does not operate an invitation-only model.
How much does Martin Smith Foundation 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 Smith Foundation
Martin Smith Foundation takes applications via postal application.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Martin Smith Foundation could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Martin Smith Foundation on the charity register
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as THE MARTIN SMITH FOUNDATION, charity number 1150753.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Martin Smith Foundation provide?
Martin Smith Foundation typically provides grants of £2,500 - £25,000.
Where does Martin Smith Foundation fund charities?
Martin Smith Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Martin Smith Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Martin Smith Foundation accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from Martin Smith Foundation?
Martin Smith Foundation takes applications via postal application. Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Martin Smith Foundation be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.