Manali Charitable Trust

The Manali Charitable Trust is an independent UK grant-making charity established in 1997, dedicated to advancing general charitable objectives by providing flexible financial grants to registered charities. Founded by philanthropists committed to public benefit, it operates with core values of integrity, responsible stewardship, and trustee-led discretion, empowering organisations to deliver sustainable impact across diverse communities without a narrow thematic focus. All trustees serve voluntarily, emphasising fiduciary diligence and adaptability to evolving charitable needs.

As a generalist funder, it supports a broad spectrum of causes, including health, disability services, poverty alleviation, and community welfare, funding projects like those at the White Lodge Centre for disabled children and adults. Grants cover project costs, core funding, capital needs, and general activities, prioritising effective charitable work with measurable public benefit rather than specific programmes or beneficiary groups.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities based anywhere in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), with a preference for small to medium-sized organisations of limited resources over large nationals; no income thresholds are enforced, and there are no religious or regional restrictions. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding is awarded invite-only at trustees' discretion following proactive identification.

Typical grants range from £1,000 to £10,000, with annual expenditure around £57,500 spread across a modest number of awards. There are no fixed deadlines, application forms, or public schedules; decisions occur adhoc at trustee meetings. Distinctively, its non-prescriptive, flexible model avoids thematic constraints or exclusions, differentiating it as a responsive supporter of varied charitable endeavours without operational impositions.