Red Squirrel Survival Trust
Could Red Squirrel Survival Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £5,000 – £50,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- Quarterly
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
Check fit free · no card
rsst.org.ukAbout Red Squirrel Survival Trust
The Red Squirrel Survival Trust (RSST), established in 2006 under the patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales, is the UK's national charity dedicated to the long-term survival and restoration of red squirrels in their native habitats. Their mission is to tackle the species' decline from invasive grey squirrels and habitat loss through collaborative leadership via the UK Squirrel Accord, which unites over 40 conservation, forestry, and government partners. Core values emphasise biodiversity preservation, scientific integrity, public education, and community mobilisation. RSST is distinctive for its authoritative convening power and scientific partnerships, focusing on enduring policy and habitat recovery.
What Red Squirrel Survival Trust funds
RSST funds evidence-based projects in native species recovery, invasive grey squirrel control, research into fertility control and squirrelpox vaccines, woodland biodiversity enhancement, education campaigns, and capacity-building for local groups. Their support extends across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, prioritising landscape-scale interventions and grassroots action in red squirrel strongholds such as South Scotland, Dorset, Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, Anglesey, and the Scottish Borders.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, or academic institutions based in the UK, from small local volunteers to large national entities, with no income thresholds. Beneficiaries include conservation organisations, research bodies, government agencies, volunteer networks, and regional initiatives. The Trust prioritises projects that align with its strategic objectives of awareness-raising, grey-red separation, research funding, population growth, reintroductions, and woodland management.
What Red Squirrel Survival Trust doesn't fund
RSST does not support unrestricted or people-focused aid. They do not fund activities outside their remit of red squirrel conservation and woodland biodiversity, and they do not accept unsolicited applications.
How they like to fund
Funding is invite-only, with no public application forms. The Trust works through preliminary phone enquiries to align with strategic priorities, and proposals are reviewed periodically. Awards are typically for projects, not unrestricted costs, and support ranges from small local initiatives to larger national efforts.
How much does Red Squirrel Survival Trust give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Red Squirrel Survival Trust
Red Squirrel Survival Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
- Decisions are typically quarterly.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Red Squirrel Survival Trust.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Red Squirrel Survival Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Red Squirrel Survival Trust provide?
Red Squirrel Survival Trust typically provides grants of £5,000 - £50,000.
Where does Red Squirrel Survival Trust fund charities?
Red Squirrel Survival Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Red Squirrel Survival Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Red Squirrel Survival Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Red Squirrel Survival Trust?
Red Squirrel Survival Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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