Sanita Merali Trust
Could Sanita Merali Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £50,000 – £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 Sanita Merali Trust
The Sanita Merali Trust was established in 2008 in Sheffield by the Merali family in memory of Sanita Merali, an NHS midwife and breast cancer patient. Guided by values of compassion, scientific progress and social equality, the family-led trustees focus on advancing medical research and improving community facilities for inclusivity. They prioritise projects that prevent patient hardships, emphasising innovation, expert-led research and public benefit. The Trust is distinctive for its sustained, multi-year commitments and deep ties to Sheffield academia, particularly through funding University of Sheffield initiatives in oncology and neuroscience. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding is invite-only.
What Sanita Merali Trust funds
The Trust funds medical research with a strong breast cancer focus, capital equipment, research posts, and community improvements that promote equality, health, education, disability support and overseas aid. Beneficiaries include patients reached through cutting-edge science, with grants supporting rigorous, evidence-based projects that yield tangible healthcare advances. Geographically, it favours Sheffield-based projects with UK-wide impact. The Trust also supports initiatives in neuro-degeneration and oncology, such as breast cancer bone metastasis research, oncology fellowships, and PET-MRI scanners, alongside the Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions of medium-to-large size with research track records. While the Trust supports organisations, it may also consider individuals per its deed. Beneficiaries include patients reached through cutting-edge science. The Trust favours Sheffield-based projects with UK-wide impact, though it is geographically unrestricted.
What Sanita Merali Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund emergency relief, unrestricted funding or seed funding. It also excludes projects that do not align with its focus on medical research, capital equipment, research posts, or community improvements promoting equality, health, education, disability support and overseas aid.
How they like to fund
The Trust is distinctive for its sustained, multi-year commitments and deep ties to Sheffield academia. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding is invite-only via direct trustee contact, with ad hoc decisions and no formal process. Grants typically support projects or core research costs over multiple years.
How much does Sanita Merali 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 Sanita Merali Trust
Sanita Merali 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 Sanita Merali 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 Sanita Merali Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Sanita Merali Trust provide?
Sanita Merali Trust typically provides grants of £50,000 - £100,000.
Where does Sanita Merali Trust fund charities?
Sanita Merali Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Sanita Merali Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Sanita Merali Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Sanita Merali Trust?
Sanita Merali 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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