Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust

The Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust, founded in 1999 by legendary racing commentator Sir Peter O'Sullevan CBE—known as 'The Voice of Racing'—is dedicated to advancing animal welfare, with a primary focus on horses and the equine sector, alongside support for people in the racing industry. Its mission stems from Sir Peter's lifelong compassion for animals, emphasizing practical aid, sustainable improvements, and collaboration with sector leaders to address unmet needs through targeted grants funded by an annual award lunch, Christmas cards, donations, and investments.

The Trust prioritizes equine welfare, rehabilitation, and medical care for former racehorses; support for racing industry workers, jockeys, and trainers; and broader animal protection initiatives. Core beneficiaries include six annually funded charities—Blue Cross, Brooke, Compassion in World Farming, World Horse Welfare, Racing Welfare, and The British Thoroughbred ReTraining Centre—receiving over £5 million collectively, plus £13 million to others like the Racehorse Sanctuary's Peter O’Sullevan High Dependency Unit, Peter O’Sullevan House in Newmarket, equine education scholarships, Racing to School, and therapy horse programs. It backs projects, capital infrastructure, core costs for strategic partners, skills training, and crisis interventions, favoring established organizations delivering direct impact in equestrian and racing communities.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, predominantly medium-to-large established entities with strong sector reputations; smaller groups are rarely considered without trustee invitation. There are no geographic restrictions, though grants focus on UK-wide (primarily England) efforts, including international projects aligned with equine welfare. The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications—decisions are proactive via trustee consultations at ad hoc meetings, often post-November fundraising—with typical grants of £10,000–£50,000, core awards £80,000–£120,000, and capital up to £250,000+.

Distinctively specialist, it excludes general or misaligned causes, prioritizing high-impact, racing-connected interventions over open calls, making it ideal for reputable equine/racing welfare leaders demonstrating proven, collaborative outcomes.