Firefly Trust

The Firefly Trust (charity number 1073216) was a grant-making charity established on 7 January 1999 and active until its closure on 19 May 2025, when remaining assets were transferred to Stewardship Services (UKET) Limited. Rooted in Christian values and traditional philanthropy, it channeled resources to address social, educational, and health inequalities through grants to other charities and voluntary bodies in England. Governed by unpaid trustees with robust policies on governance, safeguarding, risk management, and investments, the trust emphasized humanitarian purposes without operating direct services, focusing instead on partnerships that advanced its core objects.

It prioritized the advancement of the Christian religion, relief of poverty and sickness, advancement of education, and preservation of mental and physical health. Funding supported unrestricted core costs, project-based interventions, capacity building, and occasional capital needs for aligned charitable activities, targeting systemic impact in these areas without public case studies available.

Eligible recipients were exclusively UK-registered charities and voluntary bodies operating primarily in England, with a preference for small- to medium-sized organizations demonstrating proven governance and track records; individuals and for-profits were excluded. No unsolicited applications were accepted—grants were awarded at trustees' discretion to invite-only partners, typically via annual meetings, with no open deadlines or published processes.

Distinguished by its faith-driven yet generalist approach, the trust avoided non-charitable activities and emphasized accountability, making it ideal for established English charities seeking modest, values-aligned support ranging from £5,000 to £30,000, usually for single-year commitments. Post-closure, no new grants are available.