Oglesby Charitable Trust
Could Oglesby Charitable Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £5,000 – £500,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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oglesbycharitabletrust.org.ukAbout Oglesby Charitable Trust
The Oglesby Charitable Trust is an independent family foundation established in 2001 by Manchester-based philanthropists Michael and Jean Oglesby. Its mission, 'Creating Thriving Communities', focuses on strengthening the cultural, environmental and social fabric of Northern England, particularly Greater Manchester and the North West. The Trust operates with a relationship-driven, hands-on approach, valuing collaboration, community empowerment, and co-design with beneficiaries. It is willing to take risks on innovative early-stage ideas and prioritises long-term, sustainable impact beyond financial support.
What Oglesby Charitable Trust funds
The Trust funds across four themes: arts, environment, health, and social inequality. Within arts, it supports cultural institutions, theatres and music education. Its environment work includes climate mitigation and green improvements. Health funding focuses on wellbeing and services tackling inequalities, such as hospices. Social inequality grants address root causes, supporting disadvantaged communities, youth zones and family support. Funding is directed towards Northern England, particularly Greater Manchester and the North West.
Who can apply
Eligible organisations include UK-registered charities and academic institutions with deep community roots, especially those evidencing lived-experience insights and co-production approaches. The Trust prioritises applicants with significant local impact in the North West, though some national scope may be considered. It favours holistic, ambitious organisations that can catalyse broader investment and community flourishing. There is no income threshold for eligibility.
What Oglesby Charitable Trust doesn't fund
The Trust avoids non-local or unaligned work, and does not accept unsolicited applications. It does not support organisations that lack a strong focus on the North West or fail to demonstrate co-production and lived-experience insights in their approach.
How they like to fund
The Trust operates on an invitation-only model; trustees proactively identify partners through networks. Funding can be core, unrestricted, project, capital, exploratory or multi-year. The Trust is flexible and relationship-driven, eschewing standard processes in favour of a hands-on approach.
How much does Oglesby Charitable Trust give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
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 Oglesby Charitable Trust
Oglesby 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 Oglesby 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.
See if Oglesby Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Oglesby Charitable Trust provide?
Oglesby Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £5,000 - £500,000.
Where does Oglesby Charitable Trust fund charities?
Oglesby Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Oglesby Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Oglesby Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Oglesby Charitable Trust?
Oglesby 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.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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