Gloag Foundation

The Gloag Foundation, a Scottish charitable trust established in 2004 by Dame Ann Gloag—co-founder of Stagecoach, trained nurse, and philanthropist—focuses on relieving and preventing poverty, advancing education, health, and religion, guided by Christian values and a commitment to vulnerable populations, especially women and children. Its founder-led approach emphasizes practical, sustainable interventions for life-changing outcomes, with deep personal involvement in flagship projects addressing neglected issues like obstetric fistula.

The foundation prioritizes anti-poverty efforts, maternal and women's health access, and child welfare, funding direct service delivery such as medical care, education, shelter, and protection. Key beneficiaries include women at risk of maternal injury, orphans, street children, and families in severe poverty. It is the principal funder of the Freedom from Fistula Foundation in sub-Saharan Africa and supports Kenya Children’s Homes, with sustained focus on Malawi, Kenya, and Sierra Leone; in the UK (especially Scotland), it backs health charities, hospices, deprivation initiatives, and youth homelessness programs, favoring long-term partnerships over short-term projects.

Grants target medium to large, established organizations delivering substantial programs, with no geographic restrictions but strategic emphasis on Africa and UK; it does not accept unsolicited applications, lacking open calls, forms, or deadlines—decisions occur ad hoc via trustee meetings for identified priorities. Typical awards range from £100,000 to £1,000,000+, including project, core, capital, and multi-year funding. Distinctive for its proactive, high-impact support of complex overseas causes and Christian-aligned secular initiatives, it avoids small/micro-grants, new grassroots groups, and one-off efforts.