Edward Gostling Foundation

The Edward Gostling Foundation, established in 1994 (formerly the ACT Foundation and Airways Charitable Trust), is a UK-wide grant-maker dedicated to enhancing quality of life for people facing physical or mental disabilities, long-term illnesses, poverty, or significant disadvantage—especially those on low incomes—through equality of opportunity and practical support. Its ethos prioritizes tangible improvements in wellbeing, independence, and inclusion, guided by four core themes: Health and Wellbeing (access to community facilities), Independent Living at Home, Respite for carers, and Transition (e.g., from education to employment or independent living). With a strong trustee board emphasizing impact, sustainability, and partnerships, it funds frontline UK charities delivering direct, needs-led services.

It exclusively supports major capital grants for constructing, extending, or fitting out buildings and infrastructure (total project cost ≥£1 million) that align with its themes, such as accessibility enhancements, residential provisions, respite facilities, or transition support. Grants enable equipment or developments within these schemes but prioritize long-term community benefits over standalone items.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities (regulated by a UK Charity Commission) operating for at least three years, of any size, anywhere in the UK; no income thresholds apply, and unsolicited applications are welcomed. Projects must secure ≥50% funding and necessary consents (e.g., planning) beforehand; the Foundation co-funds but never covers full costs.

Applications are submitted rolling via an online portal (create account, upload guidance-based form with charity/project details, financials); trustees review year-round with no deadlines, though large grants may take months. Typical awards: up to £250,000. Exclusions include research, medical treatment, awareness campaigns, core/revenue costs, political/religious activities, or statutory duties (unless locally justified). Distinctively, it bridges small local interventions and multimillion-pound builds, favoring proven, outcome-driven capital projects for disabled/chronically ill individuals and families.