Du Plessis Family Foundation

The Du Plessis Family Foundation, established on 11 December 2015 as a registered UK charitable trust, is a family-led philanthropy vehicle governed by six trustees primarily from the du Plessis family. Its core mission is to advance general charitable purposes for public benefit through discretionary grant-making to charitable organisations, without focus on specific themes, issues, or beneficiary groups. Rooted in values of responsible stewardship, prudent financial management, and long-term impact, the foundation sustains its work via income from a £5 million endowment, emphasising tight governance, risk management, and avoidance of trading, fundraising, or staff employment.

It supports a broad spectrum of charitable projects and initiatives across England and Wales, with flexibility for international causes via partner institutions, funding grassroots to larger charities that demonstrate public benefit. Grants prioritise specific projects over core costs or unrestricted support, with 14 organisations typically aided annually from total outflows of £105,000–£230,000, though recipients remain undisclosed.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities, but access is invite-only—no unsolicited applications are accepted, and decisions rest solely with trustees following ad hoc meetings, guided by Charity Commission principles. There are no income thresholds, deadlines, or public processes; alignment often stems from trustee networks or familial connections.

Distinctively private and selective within UK philanthropy, the foundation eschews open calls, published grant lists, or thematic specialisation, differentiating it as a highly reserved, relationship-driven funder committed to capital preservation and opportunistic giving.