VTCT Foundation

Could VTCT Foundation fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Email application
Decisions: Rolling (no fixed deadline)

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

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vtctfoundation.org.uk

About VTCT Foundation

The VTCT Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with visible differences—conditions that alter appearance, whether congenital or acquired, such as scars, marks, or disfigurement. Established in 2014, the Foundation focuses on addressing the social, psychological, physical, and emotional challenges faced by individuals and families. It emphasises collaboration, inclusivity, evidence-based interventions, and long-term sectoral impact. The Foundation convenes The Appearance Collective, a network of charities, researchers, and clinicians working to share best practice and reduce duplication. The Foundation is in a transition phase, developing a new legacy strategy, and its general grant programmes are on hold.

What VTCT Foundation funds

The Foundation funds research, services, and interventions that directly benefit people with visible differences in the UK. This includes basic and clinical research, psychosocial support, peer models, pilot programmes, and capacity-building. The Foundation's Career Development Programme offers PhD studentships and research fellowships. Priority is given to evidence-based interventions, strong evaluation, inter-charity collaboration, and Patient and Public Involvement. The Foundation also supports Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives within the visible difference sector.

Who can apply

The Foundation funds UK-based, formally constituted, not-for-profit organisations, including registered charities, CIOs, CICs, CLGs, unincorporated associations, trusts, schools, faith groups, community groups, social enterprises, and community benefit societies. The Career Development Programme is open to individual applicants. Projects must benefit those affected by visible difference issues in the UK. The Foundation prioritises organisations that demonstrate expertise in the sector, innovation, collaboration, and scalability.

What VTCT Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not fund student fees, supervision costs, or indirect research costs. General grant programmes are on hold as the Foundation develops a new legacy strategy.

How they like to fund

The Foundation welcomes unsolicited applications. It funds research and service provision through its programmes, with a focus on evidence-based interventions and collaboration. The Foundation's general grant programmes are on hold, but the Career Development Programme remains open for individual applicants.

How much does VTCT Foundation give?

VTCT Foundation runs 4 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.

Last verified 8 August 2026 · 37 sourced facts

Career Development ProgrammeOpen to applications

Online application form

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) FundPaused

Up to £25,000

Online application form

Major Grants ProgrammePaused

Two-stage process

Small Grants ProgrammePaused

Up to £25,000

Online application form

Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.

What VTCT Foundation funds — and what they won't

Their stated priorities

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives in visible difference sector.

Where they fund

Costs they'll cover

Research

The full exclusions list (1)

Does not fund student fees, supervision costs, or indirect research costs

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Disability

How to apply to VTCT Foundation

VTCT Foundation takes applications via email application.

Published programme route: online application form.
Decisions are typically rolling (no fixed deadline).
Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if VTCT Foundation could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does VTCT Foundation provide?

VTCT Foundation runs 4 grant programmes — Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Fund: Up to £25,000 · Small Grants Programme: Up to £25,000.

Where does VTCT Foundation fund charities?

VTCT Foundation funds charities operating in UK.

Does VTCT Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

VTCT Foundation accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

What does VTCT Foundation not fund?

Their published exclusions include: Does not fund student fees, supervision costs, or indirect research costs. The full exclusions list is further up this page.

How do I apply for funding from VTCT Foundation?

VTCT Foundation takes applications via email application. Published programme route: online application form.