Bernard Sunley Foundation

The Bernard Sunley Foundation, established in 1960 by property developer Bernard Sunley and endowed with £300,000 in shares, is an independent family-led grant-making charity governed primarily by Sunley family trustees. Committed to enhancing quality of life for young people, the elderly, disadvantaged, deprived, and disabled across England and Wales, it emphasizes public benefit, independence, and high governance standards. With over £140 million awarded since inception, its distinctive capital-only model funds durable assets like buildings, refurbishments, equipment (£5,000+), and new vehicles to create sustainable community impact, prioritizing first-time applicants, small/medium charities, and diverse regions including rural and isolated areas.

Funding aligns with four themes: community (centres, cohesion projects); education (special schools, learning facilities); health (hospices, care services, cancer/disability support); and social welfare (veterans, ex-offenders, abuse/addiction recovery, independent living aids). Grants target tangible infrastructure for those most in need, from scout huts and minibuses to arts centres and hospice upgrades, ensuring long-term self-sustaining benefits.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities with annual income under £10 million operating throughout England and Wales. Unsolicited applications welcome via online eligibility check followed by full form (with accounts, budget, quotes); rolling basis, no deadlines—small grants decided in ~3 months, larger (>£100,000) at quarterly trustee meetings (apply 6+ months ahead). Typical grants: £1,000–£20,000 (80% under £5,000), contributing to projects costing £10,000–£5 million.

Exclusions include running costs, salaries, deficits, used vehicles, or non-capital items; no religious restrictions. This generalist funder's family continuity, strategic focus on physical assets, and responsive breadth set it apart as a premier UK capital supporter for direct-service charities.