Nepal Leprosy Trust

Nepal Leprosy Trust (NLT), a UK-based Christian charity founded in 1972 by Miss Eileen Lodge, combats the medical, social, and economic marginalisation of people affected by leprosy in Nepal. Rooted in Christian compassion, its mission is to eradicate leprosy, eliminate prejudice, and elevate living standards through dignity, empowerment, inclusivity, and practical demonstrations of God's love. NLT supports those with leprosy, disabilities, poverty, children, youth, and stigmatised communities via comprehensive programmes including medical treatment at its flagship Lalgadh Leprosy Hospital & Services Centre—one of the world's busiest leprosy clinics treating 45% of Nepal's new cases—rehabilitation, psychosocial care, public health education, vocational training, self-help groups, and integrated village development in southeast Nepal and Kathmandu.

The Trust funds thematic priorities like public health advancement, poverty relief, disability support, overseas aid, and youth empowerment, primarily through collaborative projects with its Nepali sister organisation and established local partners aligned with government strategies and community needs. It backs hospital operations, outreach, awareness campaigns (e.g., street drama), capacity building for health workers, and sustainable livelihoods, all delivered free of charge with a focus on Nepali leadership and transparency.

Eligibility is restricted to organisations operating exclusively in Nepal, especially those with expertise in health, disability, or poverty alleviation; NLT does not accept unsolicited applications from external entities and prioritises its partner network over small UK groups. There are no formal deadlines, application forms, or published grant ranges (organisational turnover ~£300,000 annually), with funding allocated internally for project delivery and core costs—prospective partners must initiate contact via phone enquiry. Distinctively, NLT avoids unrestricted, capital, or emergency grants, statutory bodies, or non-Nepal work, standing out for its leprosy-specific legacy, medical-community hybrid model, and unwavering Christian ethos in South Asia.