R. Daphne Plunket Charitable Trust

The R. Daphne Plunket Charitable Trust, established by deed in 2004, is a hyper-local funder dedicated to relieving financial need, hardship, and distress among residents of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Named after its founder, the Trust embodies a needs-led ethos, providing immediate, practical grants to individuals and grassroots organisations without evolving beyond its core poverty alleviation mandate. Its distinctive approach prioritises discretionary, responsive support based on frontline referrals, eschewing competitive processes or broad strategies in favour of direct relief shaped by local knowledge.

It funds essential items for individuals in crisis—such as food, clothing, beds, white goods, school uniforms, and specialist equipment—and small grants to voluntary groups delivering emergency aid, housing essentials, therapeutic activities for vulnerable children, mental health support, veterans' services, and hospice care. Recent grantees include Baby Basics Leicester, Happy Days Children’s Charity, Citizens Advice Leicestershire, Rainbow Children’s Hospice, and Charity Link, focusing on grassroots projects addressing acute poverty not covered by statutory services.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, and individuals (via agency referral) benefiting Leicestershire and Rutland residents only; small, resource-limited organisations are preferred, with no strict income thresholds. Applications must go through Charity Link’s online form under its Small Grants Scheme, reviewed on a rolling basis for rapid turnaround on urgent needs.

Typical grants range from £100 to £500 for specific items or core costs, with no multi-year, capital, or large-scale funding. The Trust stands out for its exclusive local focus, rejection of out-of-area work, and efficient administration via Charity Link since 2024, making it ideal for immediate, practical poverty relief.