Star Trust (East Midlands) Ltd

Star Trust (East Midlands) Ltd, established in 2013 by local business owners and entrepreneurs, is a volunteer-led grantmaker dedicated to raising and distributing funds exclusively to small and medium-sized charities in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland. Operating without paid staff or overheads—all costs covered by its board—it applies commercial expertise, rigorous due diligence, and networking events to support overlooked grassroots organisations, particularly those tackling sensitive issues or lacking public profile. Its mission emphasises cost-effective, high-impact philanthropy that maximises every penny for sustainable, community-changing work across all areas of need, from homelessness relief to diverse social challenges.

The Trust funds project-specific costs, core funding, revenue, capital (e.g., equipment, refurbishments), seed grants, and repeat awards, prioritising initiatives additional to statutory services that demonstrate longevity and broad reach. Beneficiaries are local charitable organisations and voluntary groups, with examples including £22,241 to Emmanuel House for Nottingham's winter shelter.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities operationally based in the five counties, holding 3-12 months of reserves, with no staff earning over £60,000 annually; larger or high-profile national entities are deprioritised. Applications via online form require full accounts and detailed budgets; no re-applications within three years of a prior grant. Biannual rounds occur, with the next deadline 23 July 2025 (decisions by September end), followed by 17 December 2025.

Grants typically range £5,000-£30,000 (average £12,000-£15,000). Exclusions include national charities, local branches of nationals, purely animal welfare, and individuals. Distinctives: business-driven efficiency, proactive outreach, SME-charity focus, and 100% fund passthrough.