Monday Charitable Trust

The Monday Charitable Trust (MCT) is a UK-based grant-making foundation established in 2008 as the successor to a trust founded by Robert and Elspeth Lane, with roots in the 1932 property company Chelsea Estates Limited, which came under its ownership in 2013. Its mission focuses on improving life chances for disadvantaged and marginalised groups while addressing environmental crises across the UK. Guided by values of long-term, flexible funding for systemic change, MCT emphasises ESG principles, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the Spectrum of Capital framework, employing both grants and social investments to tackle root causes of exclusion rather than just direct services.

MCT prioritises housing (e.g., accommodation and rehabilitation for homeless or vulnerable people), education (e.g., life skills and opportunities for young people from deprived backgrounds in schools, prisons, and communities), and environmental crises (e.g., biodiversity preservation, legal action, and community support amid degradation). Cross-cutting themes include young people, mental health, social mobility, inequality, and support for armed forces members or veterans. Notable grants include a £1 million capital award to the Royal College of Art for innovative facilities and funding for environmental rights litigation.

Eligible applicants are primarily medium to large established UK charities delivering UK-wide impact (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) for disadvantaged groups; small grassroots organisations are rarely funded, with no strict income thresholds but a preference for proven capacity. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—trustees proactively invite organisations, providing forms for submission ahead of biannual board meetings (Autumn for Strategic grants, Spring for Intermediate). Invited proposals involve trustee visits, presentations, and decisions within weeks to months. Typical grants range from £100,000 to £1 million+ over 2-3 years, covering projects, core costs, capital, and social investments; MCT stands out for its proactive, invitation-only approach and commitment to innovative, durable solutions.