Binks Trust

The Binks Trust, established in 1973 and registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), is an Edinburgh-based private charitable trust dedicated to advancing education, health, citizenship and community development, and the arts. Its distinctive approach emphasizes strategic philanthropy through large-scale, transformative investments in multidisciplinary research hubs and partnerships, fostering long-term social change by linking academic excellence with real-world impact. Notable examples include the Binks Hub at the University of Edinburgh for co-created research on human flourishing and the Binks Institute for Sustainability at the University of Dundee, alongside co-funding for social justice initiatives like the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Fund via Corra Foundation and support for environmental groups such as the South Georgia Heritage Trust.

The Trust prioritizes substantial projects in education and research for social good, environmental sustainability, human rights, community empowerment, equality, inclusion, and the arts, targeting collaborations among academics, communities, practitioners, policymakers, NGOs, and government. Beneficiaries are primarily Scottish universities, major research organizations, and heritage entities driving sector-wide transformation.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities and academic institutions operating in Scotland, with a preference for large organizations (annual income typically exceeding £1 million); small grassroots groups are rarely funded unless embedded in larger strategic programs. Funding is invite-only, with no unsolicited applications accepted and no public deadlines—strategic grants are negotiated directly with pre-selected partners, while partner-administered scholarships (e.g., medical bursaries) have institution-specific timelines.

Grants are substantial, starting at £100,000 and often reaching millions for project funding, research infrastructure, capital investments, and long-term programs; unrestricted core costs, routine operations, local events, or one-off activities are excluded. Uniquely positioned as a strategic enabler rather than a generalist grantmaker, the Trust excels in scalable, high-impact initiatives with systemic potential.