St Clare and St Francis Trust

St Clare and St Francis Trust, established by trust deed on 11 November 1985, is a UK-based grant-making charity dedicated to advancing global development and justice by supporting charities tackling inequality, poverty, and injustice worldwide. Grounded in principles of justice, compassion, and service, its trustees—drawn from academia, faith leadership, and social justice—prioritize impactful work addressing root causes like crises from pandemics, war, inflation, and climate change. The trust's distinctive approach involves proactive grant selection through internal networks, enabling substantial investments that often exceed annual income to meet escalating global needs.

It funds international development, humanitarian relief, poverty alleviation, human rights, social justice, and empowerment of vulnerable groups, targeting people in poverty, conflict-affected communities, and those facing systemic barriers. Supported activities include capacity building, direct relief projects, advocacy, and sustainable community development, with grants for both immediate interventions and systemic change via UK-registered charities delivering global programs.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities, preferably small to medium-sized with incomes of £100,000–£2,000,000, operating internationally without geographic limits on beneficiaries. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; trustees identify and select partners at ad hoc board meetings with no deadlines or forms.

Typical grants range from £5,000 to £25,000 (rarely over £30,000), totaling £120,000–£140,000 annually across multiple awards, favoring project, capacity, and relief funding over capital or endowments. Distinctive for its unwavering ethical focus, pre-existing relationship preference, and outsized grant commitments, it stands out among philanthropic trusts for driving lasting global equity without open calls.