Erica Leonard Trust

The Erica Leonard Trust is a grant-giving charity registered in England and Wales (number 291627), governed by four unpaid trustees, dedicated to providing modest, impactful financial support to small, grassroots charities in Surrey. Established to deliver practical assistance to organisations demonstrating ongoing, proven financial need, its mission emphasises sustaining local community benefits through targeted philanthropy, prioritising sustainability for smaller operations where grants around £1,000 can drive meaningful change. With no official website or strategic plans, the Trust upholds values of transparency, local focus, and effectiveness, as shown in Charity Commission records and giving patterns.

As a generalist funder, it supports a broad spectrum of charitable activities without thematic restrictions, including core costs, unrestricted funding, projects, and occasional capital needs—such as respite holidays (e.g., CF Dream Holidays), educational initiatives (e.g., Morning Star Trust), and palliative care (e.g., Princess Alice Hospice). Funding bolsters essential local services benefiting communities, with a preference for repeat grants to proven beneficiaries.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities based and operating exclusively in Surrey, typically small organisations with modest incomes where grants yield significant impact; larger national entities are not prioritised. Unsolicited applications are not accepted, with decisions made at trustee discretion through a relationship-based process.

Grants range from £500 to £2,000 (modal ~£1,000), awarded via annual trustee meetings with no published deadlines, forms, or open calls. Distinctively hyper-local and low-profile, the Trust avoids sectoral exclusions or national ambitions, differentiating itself by fostering long-term ties with Surrey's grassroots sector for tangible, sustained local difference.