Chapman Charitable Trust

The Chapman Charitable Trust, established in 1963 by Marjorie Chapman and her family—who continue as trustees—supports UK-registered charities tackling root causes of societal issues through targeted, impactful grant-making. Its mission emphasizes strategic philanthropy for lasting change, prioritizing three themes: conserving the natural environment and sustainable resource use; increasing arts accessibility, especially for young people; and promoting physical and mental wellbeing, including research and preventative initiatives. With a family-led ethos of stewardship, rigorous due diligence, and active outcome monitoring, the Trust favors projects demonstrating measurable results, such as habitat restoration, youth arts programs breaking barriers, and mental health counseling.

It funds project costs and core running costs for established charities addressing these priorities, supporting national organizations across the UK (including Scotland) and local ones benefiting North Wales, Greater London, or specific South East England counties (Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire). No strict income thresholds apply, but it prefers organizations with proven track records, governance, and transparency.

Typical grants range from £1,000 to £3,000, with larger amounts rare for trustee-favored entities. Unsolicited applications are accepted via online form, reviewed biannually (deadlines: end-February for March meeting, end-August for September; next: 28 February 2026). Success rates are low (~20%) due to high volume; reapplications allowed after two years for successes.

Exclusions include individuals, CICs, amateur sports clubs, unregistered bodies, capital projects, emergency relief, or multi-year grants. Distinctive for its geographic precision, root-cause focus, and trustee oversight, it seeks charities with clear theories of change and impact capacity.