Michael and Shirley Hunt Charitable Trust

The Michael and Shirley Hunt Charitable Trust, established by trust deed on 26 June 1997 by founders Michael and Shirley Hunt, primarily relieves hardship among prisoners, ex-offenders, and their families while advancing animal welfare for unwanted, sick, or ill-treated animals. Its core mission emphasises alleviating acute disadvantage, reducing distress for marginalised groups, and providing practical support, with trustees exercising flexible discretion for aligned charitable causes. Distinctive for its dual commitment to criminal justice-linked social welfare and animal care, the Trust adopts a pragmatic, values-driven approach, prioritising overlooked beneficiaries through direct aid and responsive grant-making sourced from directories and referrals.

It funds relief of poverty and destitution for prisoners' families (e.g., essential goods, childcare via Families Outside or Invisible Walls), ex-offender resettlement (e.g., Prison Fellowship), and animal rescue operations, rehoming, or capacity-building. Grants support projects, operational/core costs for small to medium charities, and direct individual aid, focusing on UK-wide grassroots efforts in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland without geographic or religious restrictions.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities (preference for smaller organisations delivering direct impact) and individuals in need; unsolicited applications are welcomed via written letter (no form required) to a named trustee on a rolling basis, with decisions at periodic trustee meetings (allow several months). Typical grants range £1,500–£5,000 for organisations (mostly lower end) and under £1,000 for individuals; no multi-year or capital funding.

Exclusions cover non-charitable purposes outside the trust deed. Uniquely flexible yet focused, it differentiates through national remit, individual grants, and consistent support for practical social justice and animal welfare impact.