P F Charitable Trust

The P F Charitable Trust, founded in 1951 by banker Philip Fleming, is a long-established, family-led grant-making charity governed by descendants including trustees Matthew, Philip, and Rory Fleming. Rooted in commitments to religious and educational bodies, it has evolved into a pragmatic, generalist funder prioritizing public benefit through advancing health and saving lives, education, relief for those in need due to youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or disadvantage, and the arts, culture, heritage, and science. Its distinctive approach emphasizes broad impact via numerous modest grants, trustee discretion, and flexibility to support evolving UK charitable needs without a rigid strategic plan.

The Trust funds diverse UK charities tackling health and social care, support for carers and young people with disabilities, specialist education, arts institutions, and community initiatives at local, regional, and national levels. Grants cover project funding, core costs, and occasionally capital, including both restricted and unrestricted support, with examples like substantial awards to Prior’s Court Foundation for autistic youth care.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities of any size, with a preference for small and medium organizations; no income thresholds apply generally, though Foundation Scotland grants target those under £250,000 annual income. Applications are unsolicited via written letter (post only, no online form), accepted anytime, reviewed monthly by trustees with decisions in 4-8 weeks. Typical grants range £5,000-£20,000, occasionally larger up to £100,000.

With no religious restrictions, fixed deadlines, or thematic exclusions beyond standard charity purposes (e.g., no vehicles via Foundation Scotland), the Trust stands out for its discretion, lack of website, UK-wide reach, and focus on sustaining small/midsize charities through cumulative, value-driven giving.