Clive Richards Foundation

The Clive Richards Foundation, established in 1986 by entrepreneur Clive Richards and his wife Sylvia (renamed in Clive's honour after his 2021 passing), is a family-funded charity driven by a mission to catalyse transformative, sustainable projects in Education, Healthcare, Heritage, and the Arts. Sustained by Sylvia's contributions and investments, it embodies practical philanthropy through catalytic grants that unlock further resources, foster measurable impact, and provide relational support—including ongoing guidance and connections—beyond funding. Its trustee-led approach emphasises high-trust partnerships, best-value investments, and lasting community benefits, often rooted in the founders' West Midlands ties.

The Foundation prioritises projects enhancing educational and health outcomes for vulnerable groups, such as specialist medical equipment, hospices, historic restorations, arts therapies for disadvantaged children, research, and capital developments (e.g., grants to Bone Cancer Research Trust, Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, and St Michael’s Hospice). It supports UK charities and community groups delivering tangible improvements, with occasional overseas education initiatives via UK representatives, favouring interventions for disadvantaged communities that demonstrate broad, enduring impact.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities and not-for-profit community groups of all sizes, with a preference for smaller organisations where funding is catalytic; no strict income thresholds apply, though geographic focus prioritises within 50 miles of its Sandwell office (covering Sandwell borough), extending to UK-wide strategic fits and select international projects.

Grants range up to £100,000 (often £50,000+ for major projects). Unsolicited applications start with an online expression of interest, progressing to Stage 1 forms reviewed monthly for UK projects (rolling basis, prompt decisions) or a 24 January 2025 deadline for overseas; successful Stage 1 leads to full Stage 2 with trustee presentations. It excludes direct student grants but stands out for its personal, outcome-focused relational model.