Sir George Martin Trust
Could Sir George Martin Trust fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £2,000 – £3,000
- Where they fund
- West Yorkshire
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Two-stage application
- Decisions
- Three times yearly
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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sirgeorgemartintrust.org.ukAbout Sir George Martin Trust
The Sir George Martin Trust is an independent charitable foundation established in 1956 by Yorkshire businessman Sir George Martin. It supports a wide range of local communities and issues in West Yorkshire, with an emphasis on being approachable, supportive and flexible. The Trust prioritises small, local, registered charities and churches doing community outreach work, and aims for a high grant success rate. Its funding character is practical and hands-on, valuing grassroots organisations that are deeply embedded in their communities.
What Sir George Martin Trust funds
The Trust funds work across many areas including children and young people, older people, disability, mental health, poverty and hardship, education and skills, arts and culture, environment, sport and recreation, community development, faith-based initiatives, LGBTQ+ causes, and food provision. Grants can cover project delivery, core costs, capital works, and equipment. All funded work must take place in West Yorkshire, covering Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Calderdale, and Kirklees.
Who can apply
The Trust supports registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs) that are based in West Yorkshire and carry out their work locally. It prioritises small, local organisations with a strong community focus. Churches doing community outreach work are also eligible. The Trust does not fund CICs, community benefit societies, community groups, schools, or faith groups. Beneficiaries include children, young people, older people, women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and ethnic minority communities.
What Sir George Martin Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund medical research of any kind, appeals from individuals seeking grants, overseas projects or seminars, or church restoration schemes such as roofs and spires. Appeals that are not focused on West Yorkshire are also excluded.
How they like to fund
The Trust offers both one-off and multi-year grants. Multi-year funding is by invitation only and is for locally registered charities or CIOs with a lower income, targeting long-standing charities needing support to get back on track or newer charities needing a boost for sustainability. Recipients receive signposting guidance and support from the Trust Manager. The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications and does not require match funding.
How much does Sir George Martin Trust give?
Sir George Martin Trust runs 2 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 40 sourced facts
- Two-stage process
- Next round opens 1 October 2026
- 3 rounds a year
- Multi-year funding
- By invitation only
- Multi-year funding
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What Sir George Martin Trust funds — and what they won't
The Trust supports a wide range of local communities and issues, with an emphasis on being approachable, supportive and flexible. It prioritises small, local, registered charities and churches doing community outreach work in West Yorkshire, and aims for a high grant success rate (around 50% of enquiries).
The full exclusions list (6)
- Appeals that are not focused on West Yorkshire
- Appeals from individuals seeking grants
- Applications from overseas
- Overseas seminars or exchange visits by individuals or groups
- Medical appeals of a capital or revenue nature
- Restoration schemes for churches such as church roofs and spires
Good to know
How to apply to Sir George Martin Trust
Sir George Martin Trust takes applications via two-stage application.
- Published programme route: two-stage process.
- Decisions are typically three times yearly.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
What Sir George Martin Trust's application asks
We hold the 21 questions from Sir George Martin Trust's application form, word for word — so you know exactly what you're signing up to answer.
“Please briefly tell us the aims of your organisation and what you do”
Max 300 words
“How does your organisation ensure safeguarding for its beneficiaries and team?”
Max 300 words
19 more questions from their form, plus answers drafted from your charity's real data if you decide to apply.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Sir George Martin Trust could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Sir George Martin Trust provide?
Sir George Martin Trust runs 2 grant programmes — Main Grant Programme: £500 – £5,000.
Where does Sir George Martin Trust fund charities?
Sir George Martin Trust funds charities operating in West Yorkshire.
Does Sir George Martin Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Sir George Martin Trust accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does Sir George Martin Trust not fund?
Their published exclusions include: Appeals that are not focused on West Yorkshire; Appeals from individuals seeking grants; Applications from overseas; Overseas seminars or exchange visits by individuals or groups; Medical appeals of a capital or revenue nature. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from Sir George Martin Trust?
Sir George Martin Trust takes applications via two-stage application. Published programme route: two-stage process.
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Could Sir George Martin Trust be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.