Clothworkers' Foundation

The Clothworkers' Foundation, established in 1977 by The Clothworkers' Company—one of London’s historic Great Twelve Livery Companies—serves as its principal philanthropic arm, building on centuries of support for those in need. Rooted in values of civic responsibility, equity, and stewardship, its mission is to fund charities and social businesses aiding marginalised and disadvantaged people and communities UK-wide, fostering a more equitable society through social justice, empowerment, and reduced structural inequality. As a broad generalist funder with a capital-only focus, it prioritises tangible assets like buildings, equipment, vehicles, and IT infrastructure for frontline organisations tackling homelessness, disability, mental health, poverty, refugees, children, older people, and criminal justice, emphasising beneficiary voice, lived experience, and deep organisational impact via its 2024 Impact Framework.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, CICs (no share capital), Community Benefit Societies, and social enterprises based in the UK, benefiting disadvantaged UK groups with no religious restrictions. Small Grants (up to £15,000) target organisations with income under £2 million; Large Grants (over £15,000, no upper limit but proportional) suit those under £10 million annual income, supporting small grassroots to medium-sized entities embedded in communities.

Applications are unsolicited and rolling via an online Eligibility Quiz leading to single-stage Small Grant forms (decisions in 12 weeks) or two-stage Large Grant processes (initial response in 6 weeks, final in 6 months). Typical ranges: £500–£15,000 (average £7,000 for smallest orgs); larger for major projects covering at least 10% of funds needed. Exclusively capital grants—no revenue, core costs, or unrestricted funding—this responsive, low-barrier funder stands out for its national scale, equity-driven strategy, openness to innovation, and backing as one of the UK’s 50 largest independent grant-makers, blending tradition with forward-thinking support for sustainable change.