Westminster Foundation

The Westminster Foundation, established by the Grosvenor family and led by the Duke of Westminster, is a UK charitable funder dedicated to creating lasting positive change for vulnerable children, young people, and their families. Guided by values of long-termism, partnership, and sustainable impact, it emphasizes early intervention, holistic family support, and community-led solutions to tackle social inequalities, poverty, mental health challenges, and limited opportunities. Its distinctive approach prioritizes prevention over short-term relief, fostering resilience through evidence-based interventions, systemic collaboration, and leveraging assets like event spaces to amplify social value.

The Foundation funds initiatives improving lives of disadvantaged children and youth, including early years support, mental health and wellbeing, routes to education and employment, family networks, and community strengthening. Supported activities encompass direct services, capacity building, infrastructure enhancement, advocacy, housing, and employability programs, with examples like £1 million for rural youth mental health via UK Youth and multi-year partnerships with grassroots organizations.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities working in rural Sutherland and Highland (linked to Grosvenor Estate operations); smaller to mid-sized, well-governed local groups are favored, with no income thresholds or religious restrictions. The open Small Grant Programme (project, capital, core, revenue funding; est. £10,000–£20,000) accepts unsolicited online applications anytime, reviewed quarterly by the Grants Panel—next deadline 31 October 2025 (decision December). Larger strategic grants (£50,000+) are invitation-only for national partners, often in London or Cheshire. It avoids emergency or seed-only funding, standing out for proactive stakeholder convening and enduring, measurable partnerships driving community resilience.