Stafford Trust

The Stafford Trust, an independent grant-making charitable trust established in 1991 in Scotland, supports UK-registered charities to promote welfare, alleviate distress, and enable research, with a strong preference for organisations operating in Scotland. Its mission emphasises evidence-led philanthropy, impartiality, and community benefit, having awarded over £5 million to established charities demonstrating effective outcomes. Distinctive for its enduring focus on animal welfare, seafarers' welfare, and services for HM personnel, it backs projects delivering wider societal value, as seen in grants to RNLI for sea rescue, Dogs Trust for animal care, and SSAFA for veterans.

The Trust funds animal welfare, child and adult welfare (including older people and those in ill-health), medical research, local community projects, disaster/emergency services, healthcare, and wellbeing initiatives for young people, veterans, and communities. It supports both revenue and capital needs, from direct services and rescue operations to research and community development, occasionally extending to overseas appeals.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities with sound governance and proven impact; while open UK-wide, it prioritises Scotland-based or impactful work there, favouring small to medium established organisations without strict income limits. Grants typically range from £500 to £5,000. Unsolicited applications via official form (by post only, no email) are accepted, with trustees meeting biannually in spring and autumn; next deadline is 31 December 2025. Exclusions include non-charities, individuals, and projects lacking broader benefit.