Rick Mather David Scrase Foundation

The foundation supports art acquisitions for prestigious UK museums, the maintenance of Mather's own museum projects, and scholarships in architectural practice, art curatorship, or horticulture. It also funds exceptional music and performing arts initiatives. Core costs may be covered only when integral to a project. The foundation backs major institutions, national bodies, and select individuals advancing cultural excellence or LGBTQ+ causes. Its grant-making prioritises originality, legacy, and diversity, and favours work that embodies the founders' sophisticated cultural interests.

Eligibility is limited to UK-registered charities with medium-to-large national or international standing. Exceptional individuals may also be considered. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications; it works exclusively by invitation, with grants awarded at the trustees' discretion. It favours established excellence over small grassroots groups and does not impose income caps. Organisations active in arts, education, and LGBTQ+ rights are particularly aligned with the foundation's vision.

The foundation does not fund small grassroots charities or local community groups, as it prioritises organisations with established national or international reputations. It does not accept unsolicited approaches; all funding decisions are made by invitation. Specific project types or costs beyond those described in its funding priorities are unlikely to be considered.

The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, awarding grants at the trustees' discretion without an application process. It provides support for project costs and, where relevant, core costs that are integrated into a project. Grants are typically single awards for high-impact initiatives, reflecting the foundation's finite-life strategy of spending capital and income on lasting contributions.