James and Deirdre Dyson Trust

The James and Deirdre Dyson Trust, established in 2015 by Sir James Dyson and Lady Deirdre Dyson, is a grant-making charity dedicated to driving meaningful change in arts, healthcare, education, and sport across England and Wales. Rooted in the Dyson family's philanthropic ethos of innovation, excellence, and public benefit, it focuses on transformative interventions—such as STEAM education centres, pioneering medical research for rare diseases like epidermolysis bullosa, cultural initiatives, and amateur sports—delivering enduring impact for children, young people, and the wider public. Distinct from the James Dyson Foundation's engineering focus, the Trust emphasises strategic, high-impact giving through substantial one-off grants to schools, hospitals, research charities, and cultural organisations, prioritising ambitious capital projects over routine support.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities and academic institutions based in England and Wales, with a preference for medium-to-large, well-governed entities demonstrating specialist expertise and capacity for large-scale public benefit. While open to organisations throughout the region, grants often cluster in East Anglia, the South West, and London.

Grants typically range from £100,000 to multi-millions (e.g., £18.75 million and £35 million for educational facilities), awarded adhoc via trustee invitation only—no unsolicited applications, open rounds, or deadlines are accepted. The Trust excludes core costs, operational support, small-scale donations, and projects without clear strategic alignment or innovation. Its distinctive trustee-led, private decision-making, founders' active involvement, and emphasis on calculated risks set it apart for charities seeking catalytic funding for interdisciplinary, high-ambition initiatives.