Patricia Routledge Foundation

The Patricia Routledge Foundation, originally established as the Patricia Routledge Charitable Trust in October 1999 and registered with the Charity Commission (No. 1077862), is a UK-based grant-making charity dedicated to advancing a broad spectrum of general charitable purposes. Its mission emphasizes improving lives through generosity, social impact, and public benefit, with a flexible, generalist approach that empowers diverse organizations rather than adhering to a narrow strategic focus. Governed by five trustees adhering to robust policies on governance, conflicts, and risk, it prioritizes demonstrable societal good across England and Wales.

The foundation supports initiatives in education and training, health advancement, life-saving efforts, disability support, poverty relief, overseas aid, arts, culture, heritage, science, environment, and conservation. Beneficiaries include children and young people, elderly individuals, disabled people, and other charities or voluntary bodies, with grants funding core costs, capacity building, projects, capital equipment, music programs (e.g., chorister sponsorships at Chichester Cathedral), and health interventions. Past recipients like Carers UK, Epilepsy Action, Freedom from Torture, and Sussex Community Foundation highlight its backing of both national and local efforts delivering widespread benefit.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities operating in England and Wales, with no income thresholds, religious restrictions, or geographic sub-limits within those areas; it funds small to large organizations but not individuals. Applications are welcomed unsolicited via an online form through the Ludlow Funding Enquiry Gateway, including organization details, charity number, funding summary, budget, and accounts. Submitted on a rolling basis, decisions occur at quarterly trustee meetings, with 3-4 months allowed for responses. Typical grants range from £2,000 to £15,000 (averaging £6,000-£8,000), occasionally larger for exceptional projects. Distinctively broad and accessible, it avoids thematic exclusions, making it ideal for charities seeking flexible support for essential or innovative work.