Derek Raphael Charitable Trust

The Derek Raphael Charitable Trust, established in 1997 by Derek Norman Raphael, is a family-led grant-making charity now guided by trustees Andrew, Peter, and Enid Raphael. Operating as a true generalist funder across England and Wales with occasional international reach, it focuses on alleviating disadvantage and enhancing quality of life through flexible, unrestricted grants to diverse UK charities. Its ethos emphasizes stewardship, discretion, sustained impact, and broad philanthropy without direct operations, supporting established organizations via trustee consensus and family networks, backed by robust governance policies.

The Trust funds a wide array of general charitable purposes, prioritizing education and training, health and life-saving initiatives, disability support, poverty relief, housing, overseas aid, arts, culture, heritage, science, and amateur sport. Beneficiaries include children and young people, elderly individuals, those with disabilities, specific ethnic or racial groups, veterans, and environmental causes, as seen in recent grants to Samaritans (mental health), Leonard Cheshire (disability), Gurkha Welfare Trust (veterans), and CPRE (heritage/conservation). It backs both core costs and projects for large national charities and smaller community groups, favoring demonstrable public benefit and inclusion.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities based in the UK, with no income thresholds, religious restrictions, or geographic limits within England and Wales. Grants typically range from £2,500 to £25,000 (often £5,000 or £10,000), awarded via invitation only—no unsolicited applications, public forms, or deadlines are accepted. Trustee meetings occur annually on a discretionary timetable, differentiating the Trust through its breadth, lack of rigid programs, and quiet efficiency in sustaining family philanthropy.