Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust
About This Funder
The Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust, established in 1970 and also known as The Houghton Dunn Charitable Trust, is a traditional UK grant-maker dedicated to strengthening community wellbeing in North West England, particularly Lancashire, through targeted charitable giving. Overseen by a small family board emphasizing stewardship, low governance costs, and long-term continuity, it draws on investment income to support inclusivity, vulnerable populations, and the cultural/natural heritage of the region, distributing nearly all funds as grants to organizations rather than individuals.
It prioritizes four core areas: medical and health (hospices, research, facilities like Teenage Cancer Trust); community welfare (poverty relief, disability, social disadvantage); environment and wildlife (conservation, local improvements); and church/heritage (religious buildings, cultural preservation). Funding covers projects, core costs, capital (equipment, facilities), and programmes benefiting children, young people, and the disabled, with a flexible approach to enduring public impact.
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities of any size—from grassroots groups to major institutions—with no income thresholds, though 96% of grants target North West-based or operating entities; national charities qualify if they have strong local ties. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via letter (including organization details, grant purpose, and evidence) to the trustees' address, assessed on a rolling basis with decisions at their discretion—allow several months for response. Typical grants range £5,000–£25,000, occasionally up to £100,000+ for significant projects.
Distinctive for its broad, non-themed support within the region, refusal of trustee payments or trading/fundraising, and highly selective local focus, it stands out by backing diverse causes linked to community connection and lasting benefit, eschewing fixed strategies for pragmatic, impact-driven giving.
Eligibility Checklist
Funding Details
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust provide?
Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust typically provides grants ranging from £5,000 - £25,000.
Where does Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust fund charities?
Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust funds charities operating in North West England, Lancashire.
How do I apply for funding from Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust?
With Fundermatcher, you describe your charity once and see your compatibility score with Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust. If you're a good fit, you can start drafting your application immediately using our AI co-pilot — paste each question and word limit, and the co-pilot writes a tailored first draft using your charity's real data and Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust's priorities. You review and edit every answer before submitting.
Will funders know my application was drafted with AI?
No. The co-pilot uses your charity's real name, numbers, and impact data — not generic filler or templates. Every draft reads like it was written by someone who knows your charity inside-out, because it's built on your actual profile. You edit and refine every word before it goes anywhere, so the final application sounds like you — because it is.
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