Van Mesdag Fund

The Van Mesdag Fund is a UK-based charitable trust established on 1 September 2015 by Rozemarijn van Mesdag with an initial £10 gift, later bolstered by family trust donations to exceed £5.6 million in unrestricted funds by 2019. Operating across England and Wales, it functions as a generalist grant-maker supporting registered charities and voluntary bodies for broad charitable purposes, guided by trustees—primarily family members—who handle all administration without remuneration. Its mission emphasizes prudent stewardship, sustainable investments, public benefit, and flexible responsiveness, maintaining a low-profile approach without publicity or strategic agendas, allowing opportunistic funding aligned with Charity Commission principles.

The Fund supports diverse charitable activities without thematic restrictions, including human welfare, social needs, core costs, projects, and unrestricted aid for organisations like Hope and Homes for Children and Network for Africa. It backs both large national charities and niche grassroots groups addressing general UK charitable purposes, with no exclusions by cause, region within the UK, or religious affiliation.

Eligibility is limited to UK-registered charities and voluntary bodies, with no income thresholds, size limits, or geographic priorities beyond UK operations; individuals and non-qualifying entities are excluded. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—grants arise from trustee-identified opportunities via private networks.

Decisions occur at quarterly trustee meetings on a discretionary, responsive basis without deadlines or formal processes. Typical grants range from £25,000–£75,000, though awards vary from under £10,000 to over £100,000, including multi-year support. Distinguished by its broad remit, trustee-led intimacy, and aversion to promotion, the Fund suits charities valuing discreet, versatile backing for sustainable impact.