Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust

The Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust, an independent grant-making charity founded in 1969 by Sir James Colyer-Fergusson, is dedicated to improving lives in Kent and Medway, with a focus on disadvantaged and marginalised people. Its mission envisions a fairer society by empowering individuals as society's greatest asset, guided by core values of social justice, inclusivity, and tangible impact through local charities and grassroots groups. The Trust prioritises evidence-based interventions that enhance life chances, emotional wellbeing, and social cohesion, distinguishing itself with strategic thematic frameworks and partnerships like co-funding with the Philip and Connie Phillips Foundation.

It funds four main programmes: Investing in Young People (education, skills, employment for those furthest from the jobs market); Investing in Communities (core costs, capacity building, social inclusion for vulnerable groups); Investing in Families (holistic support for challenges like debt, abuse, mental health); and Investing in Rehabilitation (reoffending reduction, ex-offender reintegration). Grants support projects, core costs, capacity building, and occasional capital or innovative initiatives, backing organisations like Bright Shadow and Communigrow for podcasts, community growing, and disability services.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, and faith-led organisations operating strictly in Kent or Medway, serving marginalised populations; small to medium-sized entities are preferred, with no strict income limits but emphasis on local, user-involved solutions. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £60,000. Unsolicited applications are accepted via online form only (one per 12 months per main programme), with biannual trustee meetings (next deadline: 10 October 2025 for 23 November). Exclusions include non-local projects and unsolicited proactive grants; from November 2025, trialling fixed deadlines. Charities fitting Kent/Medway grassroots work on empowerment and prevention excel here.