Richard Mackay Charitable Trust
Could Richard Mackay Charitable Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £25,000 – £100,000
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Richard Mackay Charitable Trust
The Richard Mackay Charitable Trust is an unincorporated grant-making trust established in 2016 by Richard Mackay. Its mission is to deliver philanthropic support to causes personally known to the trustees, aiming for tangible impact across social issues. The Trust values trust, discretion, and prompt deployment of investment returns rather than reserve accumulation. As a generalist funder, it supports a broad range of charitable objectives and prefers to work privately and selectively, focusing on high-impact interventions with trustee involvement.
What Richard Mackay Charitable Trust funds
The Trust funds a wide spectrum of charitable causes including education and training, health and saving lives, disability support, poverty prevention or relief, economic and community development, and employment. It supports high-value projects such as hospital expansions, youth mental health initiatives, and systemic poverty relief. Geographically, it operates across England and Wales, with a notable focus on the East Midlands, though there are no formal restrictions.
Who can apply
Only UK-registered charities are eligible, with a preference for medium to large established organisations that have a proven track record. Grassroots groups are unlikely to be supported. The Trust prioritises causes that are personally known to the trustees, and beneficiaries include children and young people, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and the wider public. Personal connections to trustees are essential, as unsolicited applications are not accepted.
What Richard Mackay Charitable Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications and does not support individuals, non-registered organisations, or grassroots groups. It also does not fund outside England and Wales.
How they like to fund
The Trust operates by invitation only, using a private, selective approach that emphasises discreet, high-impact interventions. It does not run competitive programmes, and funding is directed based on personal connections and direct evaluations, with trustee involvement. Grants can cover project, capital, and potentially unrestricted costs at the trustees' discretion.
How much does Richard Mackay Charitable 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 Mackay Charitable Trust
Richard Mackay Charitable 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 Mackay Charitable 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 Mackay Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Richard Mackay Charitable Trust provide?
Richard Mackay Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £25,000 - £100,000.
Where does Richard Mackay Charitable Trust fund charities?
Richard Mackay Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Richard Mackay Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Richard Mackay Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Richard Mackay Charitable Trust?
Richard Mackay Charitable 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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