Prince Philip Trust Fund

The Prince Philip Trust Fund, established in 1977 by Sir Christopher Aston to honour HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's service during the first 25 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, is a grant-giving charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. With Royal patronage—chaired by HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, since 2011—and trustees including local civic and charity leaders, it promotes active lives, inclusion, opportunity, and positive experiences for vulnerable groups through one-off, sustainable projects. Since inception, it has awarded nearly £2.5 million to over 2,000 initiatives, evolving to meet changing local needs with a philosophy of tangible, community-focused impact.

It prioritises projects addressing disability, health, the elderly, families, children and young people, social need, homelessness, and the arts, funding specialist equipment (e.g., eye gaze computers for children with Rett Syndrome), disabled sports, youth programmes, cultural access, and community events. Beneficiaries include vulnerable families, the homeless, disabled individuals, the elderly, and underserved communities, with emphasis on matched funding and proven fundraising.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, CICs, community groups, and individuals based in or benefiting the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead; small grassroots organisations are preferred over large nationals, with no strict income limits but a focus on local impact. Applications start with a short eligibility questionnaire, followed by a full form submitted by 1st March (April meeting) or 1st October (October/November meeting); outcomes notified within one month.

Grants typically range from £500 to £5,000 (mostly £1,000–£3,000) for one-off costs, equipment, or events, not core funding, salaries, or ongoing expenses. Distinctive for its strict geographic focus, Royal ties, and flexible support across social, health, and cultural causes, it stands out as a place-based funder empowering local resilience.