Morris Charitable Trust
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- Applications
- Not accepted
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Morris Charitable Trust
The Morris Charitable Trust is a family-established grantmaking trust founded in 1988 by members of the Morris family, whose businesses centre on the Business Design Centre in London's Islington borough. Governed by a small board of voluntary family trustees with no employees, it operates on a fully discretionary basis, reflecting a longstanding ethos of philanthropic commitment to community and social impact. Its core mission is to support any charitable purpose deemed suitable by trustees, with a persistent priority on organisations based in or strongly connected to Islington. The trust is a founding and active member of Islington Giving, backing core work, annual appeals, community events, and initiatives like aid for Ukrainian refugees. Distinctively nimble and localist, the trust avoids public donations, thematic restrictions, or core/project/capital delineations, differentiating itself through family-driven oversight, deep Islington embeddedness, and rejection of formal processes in favour of trusted, impact-focused partnerships.
What Morris Charitable Trust funds
The trust funds generalist charitable sectors, emphasising practical benefits for Islington residents through social welfare, community development, and urgent local needs. It supports UK-registered charities delivering sustained community improvement via collaborative, hands-on action, such as local appeals and partnerships. Specific initiatives include backing core work, annual appeals, community events, and aid for Ukrainian refugees. While the priority is Islington, the trust occasionally extends to other areas at trustee discretion. The trust does not impose thematic restrictions or distinguish between core, project, or capital costs, allowing flexibility in how grants are used.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities with strong ties to Islington and aligned values. There are no specified income thresholds, geographic base requirements beyond preference, or size limits. The trust prioritises organisations that deliver sustained community improvement through collaborative action and are deeply embedded in the local community. There is no religious restriction on applicants.
What Morris Charitable Trust doesn't fund
The trust does not fund individuals or non-UK registered charities. It prioritises Islington-based organisations and only occasionally supports other areas. There are no thematic restrictions or limitations on cost types such as core, project, or capital.
How they like to fund
The trust operates by invitation only, proactively identifying and partnering with charities through trustee relationships. It does not accept unsolicited applications or hold open rounds. Funding is fully discretionary, with no published guidelines or fixed grant sizes. The trust can support core costs, projects, or capital, reflecting its flexible, localist approach. It is a founding member of Islington Giving and collaborates closely with local partners.
How much does Morris Charitable Trust give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Morris Charitable Trust’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.
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 Morris Charitable Trust
Morris 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.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Morris 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.
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Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Morris Charitable Trust provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Morris Charitable Trust directly for current funding levels.
Where does Morris Charitable Trust fund charities?
Morris Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Morris Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Morris Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Morris Charitable Trust?
Morris 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.
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Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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