Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust
Could Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £10,000 – £100,000
- Applications
- By invitation only
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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sumnerwilson.ukAbout Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust
The Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust was established in 1992 by businessman and philanthropist Mike Wilson CBE. It holds assets on trust for general charitable purposes, directing funding at the trustees' discretion to create enduring positive change in the UK and occasionally internationally via UK charities. The Trust values responsible stewardship, rigorous governance, and longstanding relationships with causes linked to the founder or trustees, prioritising continuity, impact, and trustee judgment. Its funding character is relational and legacy-driven, favouring proven alignments over open competition, which allows for selective deepening of high-impact partnerships.
What Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust funds
The Trust supports UK-registered charities working across a broad range of themes, including advancing health and saving lives, arts, culture, heritage and science, child and young people welfare, mental health, social support for disadvantaged groups, and education. Grants cover project funding, core costs, capital, and strategic needs, typically for medium-to-large established organisations operating primarily in England and Wales. Examples of supported work include ending institutional orphanages, premature birth research, mental health initiatives, veteran support, and community and educational programmes.
Who can apply
The Trust funds UK-registered charities, typically medium-to-large established organisations operating primarily in England and Wales. It prioritises causes linked to the founder or trustees, and favours proven alignments over open competition. The Trust is exclusively invite-only and does not accept unsolicited applications, so charities should not contact the Trust directly. There is no religious restriction on applicants.
What Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund non-UK entities, direct international work without a UK conduit, or uninvited proposals. It also does not accept unsolicited applications, and charities are instructed not to contact the Trust.
How they like to fund
The Trust awards grants at the trustees' discretion, covering project funding, core costs, capital, and strategic needs. It typically makes grants of a moderate size, with larger multi-year commitments for key partners. The Trust works by invitation only, favouring longstanding relationships and proven alignments over open competition.
How much does Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust
Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
- Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust provide?
Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £10,000 - £100,000.
Where does Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust fund charities?
Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust?
Sumner Wilson Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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