Richard Kirkman Trust
Could Richard Kirkman Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £1,000 – £5,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Richard Kirkman Trust
The Richard Kirkman Trust is a grant-making charity established in 1988, operating under a trust deed with three trustees who have absolute discretion over the application of its income and capital. Its mission is rooted in local knowledge, prioritising social needs and disadvantage among vulnerable groups through responsive, non-prescriptive support. The Trust focuses on tangible local impact for disadvantaged communities in Hampshire and neighbouring areas including Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. It is a generalist, flexible funder that favours small to medium-sized charities, offering support that often covers core costs and operational expenses.
What Richard Kirkman Trust funds
The Trust funds a broad spectrum of causes including children and young people, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and voluntary bodies. It supports work in social care, education, mental health, physical disabilities and community engagement. Distinctively, the Trust avoids thematic restrictions and does not emphasise capital or seed funding. All funding activity is concentrated in South Central England, specifically in Hampshire, Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, where the Trust focuses on addressing social needs and disadvantage among vulnerable groups.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK registered charities, primarily small to medium-sized organisations operating in Hampshire and neighbouring areas such as Dorset, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. The Trust prioritises groups supporting vulnerable people including children and young people, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities. There are no religious or other exclusions beyond general charitable compliance. Grants are awarded by invitation only, with no open application process.
What Richard Kirkman Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications and is invite-only in its approach. It does not emphasise capital or seed funding, and there are no thematic restrictions beyond general charitable compliance. No religious or other exclusions apply.
How they like to fund
The Trust awards grants by invitation only, reflecting its proactive approach based on local knowledge and trustees' discretion. It provides support that often covers core costs and operational expenses, with a focus on flexible, responsive funding rather than rigid programmes. The Trust does not operate an open application process.
How much does Richard Kirkman 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 Richard Kirkman Trust
Richard Kirkman 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 as needed.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Richard Kirkman 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 Richard Kirkman Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Richard Kirkman Trust provide?
Richard Kirkman Trust typically provides grants of £1,000 - £5,000.
Where does Richard Kirkman Trust fund charities?
Richard Kirkman Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Richard Kirkman Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Richard Kirkman Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Richard Kirkman Trust?
Richard Kirkman 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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