Salters' Charitable Foundation

Salters' Charitable Foundation, established as a registered charity in 1989, upholds the 600-year philanthropic tradition of the Salters' Company, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London, originally tied to the medieval salt trade guild. Governed by the Company's Court of Assistants, it embodies values of stewardship, integrity, transparency, generosity, respect, creativity, and excellence. Its core mission advances charitable giving, science education—especially chemistry—and London-rooted community and civic life, evolving from member welfare to broader societal impact through grants that foster talent pipelines and address contemporary needs.

The Foundation prioritizes London citizenship and community development, support for elderly and vulnerable groups, and education, with a sharp focus on school- and university-level science, particularly chemistry. It funds projects, multi-year initiatives, bursaries, emergency appeals, and core costs for charities tackling socio-economic challenges, including scholarships and fellowships for underrepresented youth (e.g., via the Salters' Institute and partners like University of Liverpool). Beneficiaries include ambitious students, affiliated schools, City institutions, military affiliates, and grassroots groups demonstrating clear outcomes, evaluation, and beneficiary engagement.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or CICs, preferably with incomes under £1 million (larger national ones considered if impacting London), operating in Greater London or with proven local reach; no religious restrictions apply. Typical grants range £2,000–£10,000. Applications start with a 250-word EOI emailed by deadlines for quarterly Charities Committee meetings (January, May, September), next on 20 January 2025 for May consideration; shortlisted submit full proposals. Distinctively, it blends rigorous chemistry education with flexible, member-connected London civic support, avoiding prominent capital funding while favoring innovative, tradition-informed philanthropy for lasting change.