Potel Charitable Trust

The Potel Charitable Trust, established by deed on 13 February 1984, is a discreet, generalist grant-making trust overseen by four unremunerated trustees with no paid staff or subsidiaries. Its core mission is to support a broad spectrum of general charitable purposes across England and Wales, distributing funds to diverse organisations without thematic specialisation or a defined theory of change. This flexible, discretionary approach emphasises good governance and steady support for charities serving varied beneficiaries, including children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, those of particular ethnic or racial origins, and other voluntary bodies, funding core costs, projects, or unrestricted needs.

The trust prioritises registered UK charities operating in England and Wales, accommodating both small grassroots groups and larger established organisations with no specified income thresholds. It demonstrates an inclusive remit, backing a wide array of sectors from community services to voluntary initiatives, while requiring beneficiaries to align with broad charitable aims within its geographic scope.

Grants typically range from £500 to £5,000, with most falling between £1,000 and £3,000, awarded at trustees' discretion on a rolling basis without formal deadlines, rounds, or public application processes. Crucially, it does not accept unsolicited applications, selecting recipients proactively, which distinguishes it as a low-profile, invitation-only funder ideal for trusted, compliant charities seeking modest, flexible generalist support rather than competitive or themed funding. No religious restrictions apply, and exclusions are limited to non-UK entities outside England and Wales.