Zochonis Charitable Trust

Could Zochonis Charitable Trust fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Typical grants
£5,000 – £25,000
Where they fund
Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Lancashire
Applications
Accepted
How to apply
Letter of inquiry first
Decisions
Quarterly

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

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About Zochonis Charitable Trust

The Zochonis Charitable Trust, established in 1977 by Sir John Zochonis with roots in the PZ Cussons family legacy, is an endowment-based grantmaker that supports public-benefit causes primarily in North West England. The Trust values prudence, discretion, and a non-interventionist approach, focusing on impartial, merit-based funding without direct applicant engagement. It considers a broad range of charitable activities, with a preference for sustainable, evidence-based impact.

What Zochonis Charitable Trust funds

The Trust funds a wide spectrum of activities including project work, core costs, capital projects, and emergency relief. Priority cause areas include education, children's and youth welfare, health, homelessness, community support, family services, elderly care, and culture/heritage. Geographically, the Trust focuses on North West England, specifically Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Lancashire, Manchester City, and Trafford, though it also considers some UK-wide and select overseas causes.

Who can apply

Only UK-registered charities may apply, with no size or income thresholds. The Trust prioritises organisations working in the North West England area, particularly the counties and boroughs listed above. Beneficiaries include children, young people, and vulnerable or disadvantaged groups. No faith restrictions apply.

What Zochonis Charitable Trust doesn't fund

The Trust does not support non-registered charities. Beyond requiring charitable status, there are no formal exclusions, though the Trust is geographically focused on North West England and prefers to fund within its stated priority areas.

How they like to fund

The Trust provides funding for project work, core costs, capital projects, and emergency relief. It operates with a non-interventionist approach, does not engage directly with applicants, and accepts unsolicited applications. Grants are typically one-off or recurring based on trustee discretion, with an emphasis on sustainable impact.

How much does Zochonis Charitable Trust give?

£5,000 – £25,000

Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.

Deadlines & timelines

When to apply, and how long their decisions take.

Your specific fit

Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction
Focus areas
Children & youthEducationHealthHomelessnessOlder people

How to apply to Zochonis Charitable Trust

Zochonis Charitable Trust takes applications via letter of inquiry first.

  • Decisions are typically quarterly.
  • Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

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

See if Zochonis Charitable Trust could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Zochonis Charitable Trust on the charity register

Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales as THE ZOCHONIS CHARITABLE TRUST, charity number 274769.

Latest annual income
£2,283,820
Latest annual spending
£2,212,212
Financial year end
April 2025

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Zochonis Charitable Trust provide?

Zochonis Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £5,000 - £25,000.

Where does Zochonis Charitable Trust fund charities?

Zochonis Charitable Trust funds charities operating in Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Lancashire.

Does Zochonis Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?

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

How do I apply for funding from Zochonis Charitable Trust?

Zochonis Charitable Trust takes applications via letter of inquiry first. Decisions are typically quarterly.

Spotted something that needs correcting? Tell us.

Could Zochonis Charitable Trust be a fit?

Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.