Fairfield Charitable Trust

The Fairfield Charitable Trust is a discreet, long-established grantmaking charity based in Somerset, England, registered with the Charity Commission in 2008 (number 1124356). Rooted in family philanthropy and governed by a small board of trustees with expertise in special education, social care, finance, and local authority leadership, it operates as a generalist funder without published thematic priorities or a public mission statement. Sustained by investment returns on a significant endowment, the Trust embodies prudent stewardship—balancing current grants with capital preservation for generational impact—while maintaining a notably low public profile, absent website, and minimal engagement.

It supports a wide spectrum of charitable purposes through one-off grants, primarily for projects but occasionally core costs, benefiting educational institutions, religious organizations, health and social welfare charities, and community initiatives that advance public benefit. Grants aid people and communities across the UK, with a broad geographic spread favoring England and Wales but no formal restrictions.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities and academic institutions, typically small to medium-sized (no strict income limits), excluding individuals. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via written letter to the trustees, detailing charitable status, purpose, finances, and needs—no online portal or forms required. Decisions occur at quarterly trustee meetings on a rolling basis (3-4 month timeframe), with no fixed deadlines. Typical awards range from £1,000 to £20,000. Distinctively trustee-discretionary with no thematic exclusions or religious barriers, it prioritizes flexible, traditional philanthropy over structured processes.