Reginald M Phillips Charitable Foundation

The Reginald M Phillips Charitable Foundation is a UK-based charitable trust established from the estate of self-made businessman Reginald M Phillips (1887–1977), whose visionary philanthropy centered on advancing scientific research and supporting vulnerable populations through education and innovation. Renowned for enabling the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex and funding breakthroughs in medical research on cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, as well as technologies for deaf, blind, and partially-sighted children, the Foundation embodies a legacy of long-term investment in scientific excellence, health advancement, and capacity-building in higher education.

It prioritizes grants for scientific and medical research, particularly in life sciences, higher education infrastructure, laboratory equipment, and educational initiatives benefiting disadvantaged groups. Funding supports targeted projects with high-impact potential, such as research centers and early-stage treatments, focusing on UK academic institutions and health organizations, especially those linked to the University of Sussex.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered academic institutions and medium-to-large research organizations capable of major projects; unsolicited applications from UK entities are welcome with no religious restrictions or strict income thresholds, though preference favors established groups. Typical grants range from £50,000 to £250,000 for project and capital funding, submitted via online form with no fixed deadlines—decisions likely occur annually around March reporting cycles, with responses in several months.

Unlike generalist funders, it avoids core costs, unrestricted support, or emergency relief, distinguishing itself through founder-driven focus on transformative UK science and health research, evidenced by over £600,000 in recent annual grants for enduring academic and medical progress.