Lauderdale Trust

The Lauderdale Trust, established in 2021 as an unincorporated charitable trust based in Cambridge, UK, is dedicated to transforming communities by advancing the Christian faith and making Jesus known. Its mission focuses on supporting small to mid-sized Christian charities at the grassroots level, particularly those fostering community change in deprived areas, through grant funding, relationship-building, light-touch reporting, and site visits. Guided by Christian values, it emphasises measurable impact, sustainable outcomes, leader development, and church mission promotion, prioritising projects with a clear Christian ethos that demonstrate public benefit.

The Trust funds project grants and core costs for initiatives driving community transformation, such as poverty relief, discipleship training, and outreach in areas of deprivation (IMD Deciles 1-4 across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland). It targets charities benefiting people and communities through activities like evangelism, leader training, and holistic support aligned with biblical principles.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered Christian charities with annual income under £1 million, at least three trustees, and operations in the UK; unsolicited applications are welcomed via a two-stage process: online Expression of Interest (EOI) followed by full application if shortlisted. Trustee meetings occur three times yearly, with typical grants of £10,000–£50,000 per year for up to three years (not exceeding 50% of project costs). Next EOI deadline is 27 November 2025 (full app by 4 December 2025).

Distinctively Christian-only, it excludes property purchases, capital builds, and non-Christian projects; unsuccessful applicants for the same project must wait 12 months to reapply. Its relational, impact-focused approach sets it apart for grassroots faith-based transformation in deprived UK communities.