Linder Foundation

The Linder Foundation, established in 1974 by Enid Blanche Linder, is an independent UK grant-maker dedicated to creating lasting social change through targeted, evidence-based funding for vulnerable young people and environmental projects. Governed by up to seven trustees who steward investment-derived resources sustainably, it emphasises innovation, early-stage catalytic support, and systemic impact to address disadvantage, guided by values of legacy stewardship, measurable outcomes, and community engagement. While evolved from broad purposes, it now prioritises two open themes—environment and young people—alongside invitation-only grants for hospices, medical electives, and arts.

It funds land-based environmental initiatives enhancing biodiversity, sustainable farming, species preservation, and reintroduction, favouring local/regional projects with volunteers, community involvement, and research for scalable change. For young people aged 12-24, support targets early intervention and rehabilitation for those facing trauma, adverse experiences, or criminal justice risks, prioritising innovative, trauma-informed programmes with mentors of lived experience for children in care, young offenders, and marginalised youth—exemplified by grants to The Crysalys Foundation’s Youth Court Solutions and Stand Out Northamptonshire’s Children’s Home Model.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities delivering projects within the UK, with preference for small/medium grassroots or regional organisations demonstrating impact and innovation; no strict income limits apply. Typical grants of £10,000–£25,000 (average £15,000) cover at least 50% of project costs for specific initiatives, not core/operational expenses. Unsolicited applications for open themes start with an online Eligibility Checker, followed by EOI and full submission via website; decisions occur quarterly (March, July, October), with next round opening August 2024 and 2-4 month timelines.

Distinctive for its legacy focus, due diligence rigour, and emphasis on high-potential, transformative projects in under-addressed areas, it avoids ongoing costs and unsolicited bids outside environment/young people priorities.