Lonia Limited

Lonia Limited is a London-based charitable company limited by guarantee, established in 1981 and registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (number 282336). Its core mission centers on advancing Orthodox Jewish religious life and relieving poverty among community members, guided by a faith-based ethos of stewardship and long-term sustainability. Overseen by trustees Jacob Israel Kraus, Miriam Kraus, and Moses Kennedy, it maintains a low public profile without a website, relying on a £33.53 million investment portfolio to fund substantial annual grants exceeding £3.2 million, emphasizing responsible endowment management over broad charitable purposes.

The funder prioritizes Orthodox Jewish causes, including religious education, synagogues, schools, and other institutions, alongside poverty relief for individuals and families facing financial hardship. It supports project funding, core costs, and unrestricted grants to grassroots groups, mid-sized charities, and larger religious organizations within UK Orthodox Jewish communities, particularly in Greater London and surrounding areas, fostering religious observance and community welfare.

Eligibility is strictly invitation-only for UK-based entities aligned with its Jewish religious objects; unsolicited applications are not accepted, with trustees identifying partners through their network. There are no income thresholds or specified entity types, but mission alignment is paramount. Grants typically range from £5,000 to £100,000, with decisions made ad hoc at trustee meetings lacking public deadlines or processes. Distinctively, Lonia avoids capital, emergency, or seed funding, differentiating itself through its scale, financial stability, and exclusive focus on Orthodox Jewish priorities in the UK charitable landscape.