Wallace & Gromit's Children's Foundation

Wallace & Gromit's Children's Foundation, established in the mid-1990s as the charitable arm of Wallace & Gromit's Grand Appeal, is a UK charity born from the creative partnership of Aardman Animations and Bristol hospital fundraisers. Its core mission is to transform lives of seriously ill children and babies through world-class paediatric healthcare, medical innovation, and family-centred support, primarily advancing Bristol Children's Hospital and St Michael's Hospital NICU while extending national impact. Rooted in compassion, creativity, and collaborative philanthropy, it uniquely leverages iconic Wallace & Gromit characters, public art trails like Gromit Unleashed, and events such as Wrong Trousers Day to drive community engagement and over £50 million in fundraising.

The foundation prioritises funding pioneering medical equipment (e.g., cardiac hybrid theatres, MRI scanners, neurosurgery robots), innovative research (including COVID-19 responses), family accommodation, and enrichment programmes like arts, music, play therapy, and child-friendly ward refurbishments. It emphasises whole-family support for siblings and parents, targeting improved survival rates, faster recoveries, and emotional well-being in children's hospitals and hospices.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups with no income thresholds or geographic base restrictions, though focus is on Bristol, South West, South Wales, and UK-wide paediatric facilities; no religious limits apply. Currently not accepting unsolicited applications—monitor https://www.grandappeal.org.uk for future online form rounds, as no deadlines or meetings are specified. Typical grants range £100–£5,000 for projects, equipment, and programmes (larger strategic awards rarer and not open). Exclusions: non-paediatric activities; it stands out for blending pop culture with high-impact healthcare philanthropy.