38 Degrees Trust

38 Degrees Trust, a registered charity and charitable company (number 1139325) established on 13 October 2009 in England and Wales, aims to make the UK a fairer and better society through grant-making and related support. Closely aligned—yet structurally distinct from—the UK's largest grassroots campaigning community, 38 Degrees, the Trust embodies values of civic engagement, public empowerment, social justice, fairness, and positive systemic change. Its broad charitable objects span general purposes, education and training, health advancement, disability support, poverty relief, housing, arts, heritage, science, amateur sport, environment and conservation, and economic/community development, benefiting children and young people, the elderly, disabled individuals, ethnic minorities, and the general public.

The Trust funds diverse initiatives including project and core costs, advocacy, research, advice, and other finance, prioritising organisations driving social change, participation, and public benefit across England and Wales. It supports grassroots to medium-sized charities focused on measurable societal impact, such as community development, environmental efforts, and equity-driven programmes, without thematic silos but guided by a civic ethos.

Eligible entities are strictly UK-registered charities operating in England and Wales, with no specified income thresholds; however, it accepts only invited applications—trustees proactively identify and contact aligned organisations, with no public process, forms, or deadlines. Grants are awarded adhoc, typically £5,000–£30,000, at modest scale.

Distinctively invite-only and trustee-led, the Trust avoids unsolicited proposals, statutory bodies, or misaligned activities, differentiating itself through its movement-inspired vision of empowered, just communities rather than open competitions.