Sequoia Trust
Could Sequoia Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £1,000,000 – £5,000,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Sequoia Trust
The Sequoia Trust is a UK-based general-purpose grant-maker, established in 2015 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It is chaired by Sir Paul Marshall and governed by a board of six trustees. The Trust operates with a highly flexible, trustee-led approach, empowering trustees with absolute discretion to fund any exclusively charitable purposes that benefit the public worldwide. Funded by a substantial endowment, it prioritises high-impact, systemic initiatives through proactive selections from trustee networks. While broadly generalist, the Trust’s grants demonstrate a strong preference for large-scale education-focused organisations delivering national impact. It supports unrestricted core funding, with flexibility for projects or capacity-building. The Trust favours organisations with significant turnover and reach, and unsolicited applications are not accepted; grants are invite-only. Distinctive for its scale, discretion, and education ties, the Trust stands out for empowering elite, strategic philanthropy over open-access programmes.
What Sequoia Trust funds
The Trust funds large-scale education-focused organisations delivering national impact, such as academy schools charities and education policy think tanks. It prioritises high-impact, systemic initiatives, supporting unrestricted core funding with flexibility for projects or capacity-building. While broadly generalist, its grants consistently favour organisations that shape education policy and practice at scale. Geographically, it primarily supports organisations based in England and Wales, though international scope exists. The Trust targets major charities and academic institutions with significant turnover and reach.
Who can apply
The Trust invites applications only from UK-registered charities and academic institutions, primarily those based in England and Wales. It prioritises organisations with substantial turnover and national reach, and does not fund small or grassroots groups. The Trust expects applicants to demonstrate significant scale and impact.
What Sequoia Trust doesn't fund
The Trust excludes minor or low-impact proposals, and shows no interest in small groups or grassroots efforts. It does not support direct community aid or small projects, and avoids organisations with limited reach or turnover. The Trust's focus is on large-scale, systemic initiatives, so it does not fund local or regional activities that lack national significance.
How they like to fund
The Trust funds through invite-only grants. It provides unrestricted core funding, with flexibility for projects or capacity-building. The Trust proactively selects initiatives from trustee networks and does not accept unsolicited applications.
How much does Sequoia 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 Sequoia Trust
Sequoia 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 Sequoia 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 Sequoia Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Sequoia Trust provide?
Sequoia Trust typically provides grants of £1,000,000 - £5,000,000.
Where does Sequoia Trust fund charities?
Sequoia Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Sequoia Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Sequoia Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Sequoia Trust?
Sequoia 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.
Browse related grants
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Could Sequoia Trust be a fit?
Check free — then find open funders like them.