Audrey Wilson Charitable Settlement

The Audrey Wilson Charitable Settlement is a grant-making charitable trust (charity number 1160826) registered in England and Wales, established via a private settlement to distribute its annual income—around £35,000—at the sole discretion of its volunteer trustees. Lacking a formal mission statement or strategic plan, it embodies traditional responsive philanthropy, supporting a broad spectrum of established UK charities without thematic restrictions. Its values emphasize straightforward, discretion-led giving to advance public welfare, as seen in grants to organizations like Book Aid International, Royal National Institute for Deaf People, and diverse causes spanning environment, health, education, welfare, religion, and more, typically as unrestricted core funding.

It funds generalist charitable purposes benefiting communities and people, favoring medium-to-large established organizations with proven track records and substantial public impact, rather than small or emerging groups. UK-registered charities are eligible regardless of geography—national or international operations from a UK base qualify—with no religious, beneficiary, or intervention-specific criteria.

Grants typically range from £5,000 to £30,000, awarded annually after trustees' meetings (usually post-April financial year-end), with no fixed deadlines or rounds; appeals are considered year-round via written letter (postal preferred, no online form). While unsolicited applications are accepted, success is rare without trustee connections, and unsuccessful applicants receive no response or feedback.

Distinctive for its opacity and selectivity—eschewing open competitions, staff, or public solicitation—this trust suits reputable charities with strong reputations or insider links, prioritizing trustee judgment over measurable impact frameworks or proactive agendas. It avoids targeted programs, capital projects, or unproven initiatives, focusing solely on distributing income to mainstream public-benefit causes.