Stefanou Foundation

The Stefanou Foundation, established in 2007 by philanthropist Stelio Stefanou OBE DL following the sale of his business and inspired by the Baby Peter tragedy, is dedicated to breaking intergenerational cycles of domestic abuse and unresolved childhood trauma by giving vulnerable babies and children the best start in life. Its core mission emphasizes early intervention through evidence-based, trauma-informed whole-family support, guided by values of equality, non-judgmental practice, and sustainable change for both abuse victims and perpetrators—often themselves trauma survivors. The flagship For Baby’s Sake programme delivers intensive holistic interventions from pregnancy through early childhood, combining therapeutic work, skill-building, and practical aid to prevent abuse transmission.

The Foundation funds sharply focused activities addressing childhood trauma prevention, domestic and child abuse interruption, and improved outcomes for at-risk expectant and new parents (mothers and fathers) and their young children, prioritizing rigorous, evaluated models like For Baby’s Sake in partnership with statutory and voluntary sectors, including academic evaluations by King’s College London and University of Cambridge.

Eligible entities are strictly UK-registered charities and academic institutions based in Hertfordshire, with a preference for medium-to-large organizations capable of intensive programme delivery; unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding is invite-only via strategic partnerships. Typical grants range from £225,000 to £2,000,000 for multi-year programme implementation, matched funding, or evaluation, with decisions at quarterly trustee meetings and no open deadlines.

Distinctively, the Foundation avoids generalist or small-scale grants, core funding, or non-trauma-informed projects, refusing to silo victims from perpetrators. Its Hertfordshire-centric prototype aims for scalable UK impact, setting it apart as a specialist in evidence-led, family-unified early intervention.