Upside Trust

Could Upside Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.

Typical grants: £10,000 – £30,000
Applications: By invitation only
Decisions: As needed

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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About Upside Trust

Upside Trust is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England and Wales, established in 2020. Its core mission is to advance education, training, and support for people with disabilities through targeted grants to other charities. Led by a board of trustees, the Trust emphasises robust governance, safeguarding policies, financial discipline, and transparency, with zero trustee remuneration and a commitment to responsible stewardship. As a generalist funder, it prioritises broad public benefit across England and Wales, facilitating impact without direct service delivery. The Trust's approach is strategic and compliance-driven, favouring pre-vetted charities that show strong governance and clear social impact. It operates by invitation, identifying partners rather than accepting unsolicited applications.

What Upside Trust funds

What they fund centres on two interconnected themes: education and training, and disability. Grants support projects and service delivery that advance learning, skills, and support for people with disabilities, as well as benefiting the general public. The Trust backs organisations across the whole of England and Wales, with no preference for particular localities. It favours well-governed organisations with evident social impact. The funded activities are delivered by partner charities, as the Trust itself does not run services directly. The focus is on specific, project-based work rather than general running costs.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities operating in England and Wales. There are no explicit income thresholds, though the Trust prefers entities with a solid public benefit focus, from small to medium-sized. The Trust funds organisations that serve the general public or specific groups such as people with disabilities. It values well-run charities that can show tangible outcomes for their beneficiaries. Charities should be aligned with the Trust's mission of advancing education, training, and support for people with disabilities. Faith-based organisations are not restricted, as there is no religious context restriction.

What Upside Trust doesn't fund

The Trust excludes core costs, capital projects, capacity building, unrestricted funding, and emergency or seed support. This means it does not contribute to general running expenses, building works, organisational development, or financial safety nets. Its grants are earmarked for specific, project-related activities within its education and disability focus areas. This exclusion set reflects the Trust's strategic, compliance-driven approach, ensuring funds go directly to front-line service delivery rather than overheads or speculative initiatives.

How they like to fund

Funding is invite-only; unsolicited applications are not accepted. Trustees identify and approach charities that align with the Trust's priorities. The Trust makes targeted grants for specific projects and services, preferring pre-vetted organisations. Its style is strategic and compliance-driven, with a focus on responsible stewardship. It favours partners with strong governance and clear social impact. There is no open application process, and support is directed to agreed activities rather than general funding.

How much does Upside Trust give?

£10,000 – £30,000

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.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

EducationDisability

How to apply to Upside Trust

Upside 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 as needed.

What you can do here

1
Check fit. See if your project aligns with Upside Trust.
2
Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
3
Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.

See if Upside Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Upside Trust provide?

Upside Trust typically provides grants of £10,000 - £30,000.

Where does Upside Trust fund charities?

Upside Trust funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Upside Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Upside Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.

How do I apply for funding from Upside Trust?

Upside Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.