Phillips Charitable Trust

The Phillips Charitable Trust, an independent UK grant-making trust established in July 1996, is governed by a board of six unpaid trustees who exercise full discretion over funding decisions. Rooted in promoting welfare for seafarers, animal protection, environmental conservation, and heritage preservation across Great Britain and Ireland, its mission emphasizes safety at sea, dignity for vulnerable groups, and stewardship of natural and cultural assets. With a conservative, trustee-led approach, it prioritizes recurring support for aligned charities like the RNLI and National Trust, alongside occasional one-off grants for urgent needs, reflecting core values of mission fidelity, impact, and charitable integrity.

The trust funds organizations advancing seafarer welfare (e.g., lifeboat operations and rescue readiness), animal husbandry and sanctuaries, and heritage/environmental initiatives such as site restorations and conservation efforts. Grants support core costs, projects, and general charitable purposes for these beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on coastal communities, established charities, and UK-wide initiatives serving humans and animals alike.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities operating in Great Britain and Ireland, with a preference for medium-to-large established organizations demonstrating clear alignment and impact; no strict income thresholds apply, though smaller local groups may qualify occasionally. It does not accept unsolicited applications—decisions are made internally on a rolling basis with no deadlines, open calls, or forms.

Typical grants range from £5,000 to £25,000 annually for recurring support or one-offs, exclusively to charities (not individuals). Distinctive for its highly focused, invitation-only model avoiding competitive processes, the trust stands out through unwavering repeat funding for seafaring safety, animal care, and heritage bodies, ensuring consistent stewardship without remuneration or broad solicitations.