Childhood Trust

The Childhood Trust, a London-based charity founded in 2013 by Grant Gordon, works to alleviate poverty's impact on children and young people across the capital, breaking the cycle through healthy, happy, and safe childhoods. Guided by values of courage, care, aspiration, collaboration, and inclusivity, its 2023–2026 “Prepared for Life” strategy emphasizes evidence-led support for practical and emotional needs. Distinctively, it combines grantmaking with matched fundraising campaigns via The Big Give, community outreach like the Transforming Spaces programme (renovating homes and facilities), research, advocacy, and events such as the annual London Child Poverty Summit to drive systemic change and amplify children's voices.

It funds programmes by children's charities addressing four impact areas: stable homes (essentials and safe spaces), positive health (mental/physical wellbeing and activities), supportive relationships (reducing isolation and building resilience), and learning (education access and enrichment). Priority goes to low-income London children, plus higher-risk groups like those with special educational needs, disabilities, refugees, care leavers, or young carers, supporting project delivery, core costs, capacity building, and some unrestricted funding across grassroots to larger organisations.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities with £25,000–£10 million annual income (some models cap at £500,000 for recent non-funders), delivering benefits strictly to London children; national charities qualify if funds are ring-fenced locally. Typical matched grants range £2,000–£50,000 via online applications on The Big Give portal during campaign windows—no preliminary enquiries. Next deadline: Christmas Challenge applications close 16 July 2025 (campaign 2–9 December); Champions for Children 2026 opens 5 January, closes 6 February. Exclusions include non-London projects, overseas trips, and non-charitable activities.