Samworth Foundation

The Foundation funds work within two primary themes. Under modern slavery and exploitation, it supports initiatives addressing sexual exploitation and abuse of women and children. Under environment and climate change, it funds advocacy, direct support and recovery efforts targeting root causes. Geographically, it supports UK organisations, with a particular emphasis on the East Midlands, London, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Internationally, the Foundation works in Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Grants bolster organisational sustainability, leadership development and innovative systemic interventions. The Foundation favours established charities that demonstrate proven impact and transformational potential, funding work that addresses underlying causes rather than symptoms.

The Foundation supports UK and international organisations with charitable purposes; it is not limited to registered charities but tends to favour medium-to-large groups with strong track records. There are no strict income, size or geographic base requirements, but priority is given to organisations with proven impact and leadership in the priority themes. Beneficiaries include women, children affected by exploitation, and communities facing environmental challenges. The Foundation seeks partners who align with its values of integrity and collaboration. It does not accept unsolicited applications; instead, it proactively identifies and invites organisations that fit its strategic priorities.

The Foundation does not fund work that focuses on symptoms rather than root causes of systemic issues. It avoids supporting organisations that have not been personally identified and invited by the Foundation. Unsolicited requests are not accepted, and no open calls for applications are made. It does not fund short-term, isolated projects without a broader systemic lens, nor does it support organisations without a strong track record of impact in the chosen themes.

The Foundation provides multi-year flexible funding, including unrestricted core support, project costs and capacity-building grants. It emphasises trust-based relationships, working closely with selected partners over the long term. The Foundation also offers peer support networks and leverages its influence for sector-wide collaboration. Funding is proactive and relational: the Foundation seeks out inspiring partners rather than responding to appeals. This approach allows for tailored support that strengthens organisational resilience and leadership.