Rushworth Foundation

Could Rushworth Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £2,000 – £25,000
Applications: Not accepted
Decisions: Quarterly

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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rushworthfoundation.co.uk

About Rushworth Foundation

The Rushworth Foundation is a UK-registered charity established in its current form in 2015, rooted in the 19th-century philanthropic legacy of Liverpool's Rushworth family, whose music business shaped the city's cultural scene. Its mission advances charitable purposes with a particular focus on music as a means for cultural enrichment, social cohesion, and personal development. Guided by a sole trustee, the Foundation supports registered charities and voluntary bodies across England and Wales. It emphasises strategic grant-making that honours its musical heritage while allowing flexibility for broader public benefit initiatives. The Foundation funds organisations rather than individuals, backing interventions in community engagement, cultural participation, and social outcomes. Its distinctive approach is selective and legacy-driven, differentiating it from broader arts funders.

What Rushworth Foundation funds

The Foundation prioritises music-related projects, including education programmes, performance initiatives, heritage preservation, and public arts engagement. It also supports other charitable activities that demonstrate clear impact. Funded work spans community engagement, cultural participation, and social outcomes, with a focus on enhancing musical opportunities. Organisations are supported across England and Wales, with a particular ethos influenced by historic Liverpool ties. The Foundation supports a variety of costs such as project delivery, core running costs, capital items, and organisational capacity building.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or community groups based in or operating across England and Wales. The Foundation has a preference for small- to medium-sized entities that can deliver significant impact. No strict income thresholds apply, though historic Liverpool ties influence its ethos. The Foundation funds organisations, not individuals. Its approach is proactive: it invites applications from organisations it identifies as aligned with its mission.

What Rushworth Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not provide grants to individuals, nor does it offer unrestricted or emergency funding. It does not accept unsolicited applications or open calls; all funding is by invitation only, directed towards organisations with a clear alignment to its mission.

How they like to fund

The Foundation operates solely through invite-only funding. The sole trustee proactively identifies and approaches organisations whose work aligns with the Foundation's strategic priorities. This selective, legacy-driven approach ensures that funding is directed to clearly impactful initiatives. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications or open calls.

How much does Rushworth Foundation give?

£2,000 – £25,000

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.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Arts & cultureEducationCommunity

How to apply to Rushworth Foundation

Rushworth Foundation 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

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Rushworth Foundation.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Rushworth Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Rushworth Foundation provide?

Rushworth Foundation typically provides grants of £2,000 - £25,000.

Where does Rushworth Foundation fund charities?

Rushworth Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Rushworth Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

Rushworth Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Rushworth Foundation?

Rushworth Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.