David Solomons Charitable Trust

The David Solomons Charitable Trust, established in 1991 and governed by a small board of Solomons family trustees based in London, is a specialist funder dedicated exclusively to enhancing the care, welfare, and opportunities for people with learning disabilities, such as Down Syndrome. Its enduring mission focuses on grant-making to UK charities delivering direct services, support, practical activities, advocacy, healthcare, social welfare, enrichment, research, and wellbeing initiatives that improve quality of life for this marginalised group. Core values emphasise direct client impact, public benefit, and backing smaller or local projects overlooked by larger funders, with a conservative approach prioritising endowment sustainability for steady, targeted giving—evidenced by 120 grants totalling over £95,000 in 2023.

The trust funds core costs and direct project expenses where at least 75% of beneficiaries have learning disabilities or funds are ring-fenced for them, supporting children, young people, and adults through organisations like the Down's Syndrome Association, Kindred Advocacy, and SELFA. Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities with at least three years of accounts, preferring small to medium-sized ones with incomes of £25,000–£500,000; larger nationals may qualify if benefits are ring-fenced. It operates UK-wide, with no geographic or religious restrictions.

Unsolicited applications are welcomed via email (davidsolomonscharitabletrust@gmail.com) or post, including a detailed proposal, accounts, and governance evidence; submit at least one month before quarterly trustee meetings (typically February, June, October), with decisions within four weeks. Typical grants range from £500–£1,500, occasionally up to £2,000. Distinctively narrow in scope—unlike broader disability funders—it excludes building projects, administrative costs, and non-learning-disability work, favouring measurable, practical outcomes for specialist charities.