Talisman Charitable Trust
Could Talisman Charitable Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £800 – £1,200
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- Rolling (no fixed deadline)
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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talismancharity.orgAbout Talisman Charitable Trust
The Talisman Charitable Trust was established in 1936 by Baron Frederic Alfred d'Erlanger. It is a longstanding UK grant-making charity dedicated to alleviating poverty and acute hardship by providing small, targeted financial support to individuals of modest means and the charities that help them. The Trust operates with minimal overheads, no paid staff, and a voluntary chief executive, enabling a hands-on, responsive approach. It values compassionate, practical relief where statutory aid falls short, guided by stewardship, empathy, and discretion. This quiet, tradition-rooted philanthropy has proven impact nationwide.
What Talisman Charitable Trust funds
The Trust concentrates on poverty, health, disability, and homelessness, funding essentials such as household items, mobility aids, medical equipment, urgent repairs, educational resources for children, and emergency aid. It supports individuals across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prioritising immediate relief for personal hardships linked to health, disability, housing, education, and general destitution. Grants are made via trusted intermediaries or small-scale projects run by charities focused on poverty.
Who can apply
Grants are made through a referral-only model. Eligible referrers include UK-registered charities, local authorities, and Citizens Advice, who refer cases on behalf of individuals of modest means across the UK. The Trust favours grassroots frontline organisations and expects that statutory funds have been exhausted before seeking support. Individuals cannot apply directly.
What Talisman Charitable Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund core costs, capacity building, or unrestricted aid. It also does not accept unsolicited applications from individuals; all funding must be referred by a recognised intermediary.
How they like to fund
The Trust operates a referral-only model, paying referrers directly for oversight of the grant. It provides small, targeted financial support for direct costs only, focusing on individual destitution rather than broader programmes. The Trust does not accept unsolicited approaches.
How much does Talisman 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 Talisman Charitable Trust
Talisman 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 Talisman 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 Talisman Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Talisman Charitable Trust provide?
Talisman Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £800 - £1,200.
Where does Talisman Charitable Trust fund charities?
Talisman Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Talisman Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Talisman Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Talisman Charitable Trust?
Talisman 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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