W H Smith Group Charitable Trust
Could W H Smith Group Charitable Trust fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- Up to £1,000
- Where they fund
- Glasgow, Middlesbrough, Manchester, Swansea, Swindon
- 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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whsmith.co.ukAbout W H Smith Group Charitable Trust
The W H Smith Group Charitable Trust is an independent grantmaking charity established by the UK retailer WHSmith. Their mission is to promote literacy, enhance life chances through reading and learning, and support local communities, particularly those linked to their stores. They fund through employee nominations, matched giving, and small grants, with a strong emphasis on grassroots efforts and volunteering. The Trust supports literacy initiatives such as books and resources for schools, community projects for children, young people, the elderly, and disabled individuals, as well as general charitable purposes. Their work focuses on practical, targeted interventions rather than large programmes, and they have a flagship partnership with the National Literacy Trust that delivers large-scale literacy projects in five priority areas: Glasgow, Middlesbrough, Manchester, Swansea, and Swindon. What makes them distinctive is their staff-driven, place-based approach that integrates corporate resources with accessible small grants for reading, education, and community wellbeing.
What W H Smith Group Charitable Trust funds
The Trust funds community support and literacy projects. Their Community Grants programme supports constituted groups including voluntary organisations, charities, schools, and pre-schools for community development activities. Through their National Literacy Partnership with the National Literacy Trust, they deliver large-scale literacy projects in five priority areas: Glasgow, Middlesbrough, Manchester, Swansea, and Swindon, focusing on children who need them most. They also offer Employee Matching Grants for education and community development causes nominated by staff. The Trust supports practical, targeted interventions such as books and resources for schools, and community projects benefiting children, young people, the elderly, and disabled individuals. Their work focuses on localities where there are WHSmith stores.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants include registered charities, schools, and constituted community groups such as voluntary organisations and pre-schools. The Trust prioritises smaller local organisations in communities where WHSmith has a retail presence. There is no religious restriction on applicants. The Trust supports projects benefiting children, young people, the elderly, and disabled individuals. Applications are unsolicited and welcome from groups working in these priority areas.
How they like to fund
The Trust provides small grants through their Community Grants programme, with a maximum amount per grant. They also offer Employee Matching Grants for staff-nominated causes. Their National Literacy Partnership involves large-scale literacy projects delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications and emphasises a staff-driven, place-based approach that integrates corporate resources with accessible small grants.
How much does W H Smith Group Charitable Trust give?
W H Smith Group Charitable Trust runs 3 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 19 sourced facts
- Online application form
- 2 rounds a year
- Expression of interest first
- By invitation only
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 W H Smith Group Charitable Trust funds — and what they won't
The full exclusions list (3)
- faith-based groups
- military groups
- political groups
Good to know
How to apply to W H Smith Group Charitable Trust
W H Smith Group Charitable Trust 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
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if W H Smith Group Charitable Trust could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does W H Smith Group Charitable Trust provide?
W H Smith Group Charitable Trust runs 3 grant programmes — Community Grants: Up to £500 · Employee Matching Grants: Up to £1,000.
Where does W H Smith Group Charitable Trust fund charities?
W H Smith Group Charitable Trust funds charities operating in Glasgow, Middlesbrough, Manchester, Swansea, Swindon.
Does W H Smith Group Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
W H Smith Group Charitable Trust accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does W H Smith Group Charitable Trust not fund?
Their published exclusions include: faith-based groups; military groups; political groups. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from W H Smith Group Charitable Trust?
W H Smith Group Charitable Trust takes applications via email application. Published programme route: online application form.
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Could W H Smith Group Charitable Trust be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.