Ian M Foulerton Charitable Trust

The Ian M Foulerton Charitable Trust, established in December 2015, is a specialist UK grantmaker dedicated to preserving, conserving, protecting, and restoring buildings of historic, architectural, artistic, or scientific interest across England and Wales, along with associated items like furniture, pictures, records, books, and manuscripts. It advances public education on these heritage assets, embodying values of stewardship, public benefit, and cultural legacy to safeguard national identity and collective memory. With a lean governance model drawing steadily on reserves for maximum impact, the trust distinguishes itself through targeted support for tangible conservation outcomes, partnering with established heritage institutions rather than broad charitable causes.

It funds capital projects focused on historic building restoration, archive protection, and public access initiatives, spanning arts, culture, heritage, education, training, science, and environment/conservation. Grants bolster community-benefiting projects, such as church restorations and local conservation efforts highlighted by partners like the Sussex Heritage Trust and National Churches Trust, prioritising organisations delivering educational and accessibility gains.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities and voluntary bodies based in England and Wales, with a preference for medium-to-large established entities capable of substantial projects; no income thresholds are specified, but alignment with core objects is essential. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding goes to pre-selected sector partners via trustee discretion, with no public forms, enquiries, or deadlines. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £30,000, awarded adhoc without support for core costs, operations, unrestricted uses, overseas work, or direct people/community aid, setting it apart as a discreet, heritage-exclusive funder.