Ranworth Trust 1985

The Ranworth Trust 1985 is a family-governed grant-making charity established in 1985 by the Cator family, with current trustees including Mark Cator (Chair), Jane Cator, and The Hon Isabel Alicia Cator. Rooted in East Norfolk, it sustains a substantial endowment for long-term community benefit, emphasizing responsible stewardship that balances current grants with asset growth. Its mission focuses on advancing opportunity and education locally, medical research nationally, and technological innovation internationally, reflecting core values of sustained impact, prudent financial management, and family-led selectivity.

The trust prioritizes grants to UK-registered charities delivering high-impact work: locally in East Norfolk for community education and opportunity (e.g., grassroots organizations); nationally for medical research into curable illnesses (e.g., Alzheimer’s Research UK); and internationally for long-term technological or developmental initiatives in child welfare, conservation, and global aid (e.g., Hope and Homes for Children, Save the Rhino International). It supports projects, core costs, and strategic efforts—restricted or unrestricted—amplifying proven organizations with established track records, but never individuals.

Eligible entities are UK-registered charities of any size without income thresholds, though patterns favor those with demonstrable infrastructure; geographic focus is strongest in East Norfolk locally, extending to UK national and worldwide projects aligning with priorities. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—trustee-led invitations only, with no forms, deadlines, or open calls; decisions occur at adhoc meetings. Typical grants range £5,000–£25,000 annually, occasionally larger for national/international work. Distinctively, it blends hyper-local responsiveness with selective global funding, eschewing capital projects or unproven causes for deep, strategic interventions.