Singer Foundation
Could Singer Foundation be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- 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 Singer Foundation
The Singer Foundation is a UK charitable trust established in 1960 by Bristol engineer Richard Singer and his wife Kathleen. Its mission is to foster individual enterprise and self-sufficiency through grants to UK-registered charities. The Foundation values transformative personal development, focusing on broadening skills, instilling self-belief, and enabling beneficiaries to support others. It takes a relational and hands-on approach, with trustees involved both before and after awards. The Foundation supports enterprise-focused programmes that help disadvantaged or marginalised groups build independence through employment pathways and skills training.
What Singer Foundation funds
The Foundation funds project-based work, core costs, and capacity building for charities delivering enterprise-focused programmes. These programmes target disadvantaged or marginalised groups, offering employment pathways, skills training, and independence-building initiatives. The Foundation supports training schemes and employment routes that promote self-reliance, with a focus on broadening skills and instilling self-belief. Its work is UK-wide with no regional restrictions, and it supports well-managed charities of various sizes. The Foundation prioritises initiatives that create sustainable, cascading benefits, enabling beneficiaries to eventually support others. Specific themes include enterprise enablement, vocational training, and pathways to employment for those facing barriers.
Who can apply
Eligibility is restricted to UK-registered charities with robust governance and a proven track record in enterprise enablement. The Foundation prioritises organisations that demonstrate governance excellence, proven impact, and the ability to mentor individuals toward community contribution. There are no income thresholds, but applicants must align tightly with the Foundation’s vision. The Foundation supports charities of various sizes, with no religious restriction. It seeks well-managed charities that inspire and equip individuals for independence, particularly those working with disadvantaged or marginalised groups.
What Singer Foundation doesn't fund
The Foundation does not fund direct individual grants, generalist causes, or non-UK entities. It also does not accept unsolicited applications, working only with organisations it identifies through its networks. Grants are not made for activities outside the enterprise and self-sufficiency focus.
How they like to fund
The Foundation awards grants on an invite-only basis, identified via networks and due diligence including site visits and outcome reporting. It takes a relational and hands-on approach, with trustees involved both before and after awards. The Foundation funds project-based work, core costs, and capacity building, emphasising high-impact sustainability. It supports a limited number of organisations annually, with decisions made through trustee involvement rather than a formal application process.
How much does Singer Foundation give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Singer Foundation’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.
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 Singer Foundation
Singer 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 as needed.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Singer Foundation.
- 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 Singer Foundation could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Singer Foundation provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Singer Foundation directly for current funding levels.
Where does Singer Foundation fund charities?
Singer Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Singer Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Singer Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Singer Foundation?
Singer Foundation 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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