Michael Watson Charitable Trust

The Michael Watson Charitable Trust, established by trust deed in November 2014 and registered with the Charity Commission in August 2015, is a trustee-led grant-making charity founded by Michael Clive Watson. Chaired by Watson with trustees Andrew Trevor Cohen and Rosanna Murphy, it advances public benefit through education, health relief (with a strong emphasis on cancer research and patient support), visual and performing arts, and discretionary aid to other UK charities. Its flexible, family-philanthropy style prioritizes established organizations addressing societal needs in these areas, reflecting a commitment to core activities like research, educational programs, and cultural enrichment.

The Trust funds UK-registered charities delivering cancer research, health services, educational opportunities, and arts initiatives across England and Wales, supporting both project-specific work and core operational costs without geographic sub-restrictions within the UK or religious limits. Beneficiaries are typically medium-to-large established charities with proven track records, rather than small grassroots groups.

Eligibility is limited to UK-registered charities; unsolicited applications are not accepted, with grants awarded proactively at trustees' discretion to known organizations via internal research and networks. Decisions occur at periodic ad-hoc trustee meetings several times yearly, with no public deadlines, forms, or guidelines. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £50,000, often £10,000–£25,000, enabling substantial support without strict income thresholds.

Distinctively generalist yet cancer- and arts-focused, the Trust avoids overseas work, small unproven entities, and public processes, differentiating it as a discreet, high-value funder for aligned, trustee-vetted UK charities seeking flexible, impactful funding.