Helvellyn Foundation

The Helvellyn Foundation is an independent, family-run grant-making trust established in March 2020 by Bill Holmes and his daughters Lauren and Becky, endowed with Bill’s personal wealth. Rooted in the founders’ passion for nature, scientific discovery, and outdoor adventure, its mission is to foster a thriving natural world where everyone cares for it. Since August 2023, it has sharpened its focus solely on biodiversity and environmental conservation, guided by core values of evidence-based decision-making, trust-based philanthropy, relationship-building, youth engagement, and minimal bureaucracy. As a Conservation Evidence Champion Funder and Environmental Funders Network member, it stands out for its proactive, invitation-only model, prioritising long-term, unrestricted multi-year partnerships over traditional grantmaking.

It funds ambitious biodiversity initiatives at landscape scale, including community engagement (especially rural, but also urban), business accountability for nature, direct species protection, advocacy and policy change, public awareness and behaviour shifts, and enhanced environmental data collection. Support targets pioneering UK conservation charities and social enterprises—like Solutions for the Planet and Langland Conservation—working on science-driven restoration, youth involvement, and community empowerment, with global reach to developing countries hardest hit by biodiversity loss and climate change.

Eligible entities are UK-registered charities or social enterprises of any size and income, with no geographic base restrictions but primary activity in the UK (England, Wales, Scotland) or high-need global areas; no religious limits apply. Grants typically range from £10,000 to £100,000, often multi-year for core costs, projects, capacity, or advocacy. Applications are invite-only on a rolling basis—no deadlines or open calls—with the Foundation proactively identifying partners via research, networks, and a non-binding 'Tell Us About You' web form. It excludes direct people/community support and emphasises trust with minimal reporting, distinguishing it through bespoke relationships, sector leadership, and catalytic systemic change for nature’s recovery.