Astor Foundation

The Astor Foundation, a UK-based grant-making charity established in 1964 by the Astor family, advances medical research in its broadest sense while supporting a wide array of charitable causes. Governed by family members and trusted associates, it embodies a longstanding philanthropic commitment to innovation, filling funding gaps, and enabling the launch of new projects that might otherwise falter. Its flexible, responsive approach prioritises early-stage initiatives with clear need and impact potential, extending beyond medicine to youth groups, disability support, countryside and environmental efforts, arts, sport, carers, and animal welfare.

The Foundation funds UK-registered charities of all sizes—preferring small to medium organisations and start-ups—operating UK-wide (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) or occasionally overseas. It supports project funding, revenue grants, and limited capital costs like medical equipment, research travel, or subsistence, catalysing new work or bridging shortfalls.

Currently, it does not accept unsolicited applications, focusing on existing relationships and invited proposals submitted by post as a letter to the Trust Secretary, including accounts and annual reports if available. When open, biannual trustee meetings follow 31 August (October decisions) and 28 February (April decisions) deadlines, with grants typically ranging from £1,000 to £2,500, occasionally up to £5,000.

Distinctive for its family-led governance and broad thematic scope, the Foundation avoids building projects and salaries, distinguishing itself as a nimble backer of nascent, high-potential efforts across medical and social welfare domains.