Unwin Charitable Trust

The Unwin Charitable Trust, established in 1975 by Rayner Unwin CBE from a bequest by his father Sir Stanley Unwin—pioneers of British publishing—championed the printed word through grants advancing literacy, reading enjoyment, book dissemination, and education/welfare for the book trade. Guided by values of sustaining the publishing sector, fostering literacy across generations, and supporting independent booksellers via mentoring, the Trust maintained a laser-focused mission on UK-based initiatives enhancing books' cultural and educational impact, from grassroots literacy schemes to professional training. Governed by publishing experts, it blended support for established institutions like BookTrust and the Publishing Training Centre with innovative projects, including the Unwin Award for non-fiction and major endowments like the £500,000 Unwin Fund for Oxford's Bodleian Library. However, it is now winding down, having distributed remaining funds and ceasing operations by January 2025 after 50 years.

It prioritised project funding for literacy-boosting programs, publishing training/innovation, bookseller support, and events promoting reading/publishing, benefiting children, youth, elderly, disabled people, and book trade professionals through organisations like independent bookshops and charities.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and bookshops (small to medium-sized preferred, no strict income limits) delivering projects in the UK (England/Wales focus); unsolicited applications welcome via email form on the website, reviewed on a rolling basis with no deadlines or meeting schedule.

Grants typically range £500–£10,000 (smaller under £500 for high-impact cases, larger exceptionally), favouring projects/core costs aligned to mission but excluding individuals, schools, non-UK work, and capital costs. Its niche expertise in the publishing ecosystem and historical ties distinguish it as a legacy funder irreplaceable in UK philanthropy.