Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust

The Mrs Waterhouse Charitable Trust, established in 1970 and also known as The Houghton Dunn Charitable Trust, is a traditional UK grant-maker dedicated to strengthening community wellbeing in North West England, particularly Lancashire, through targeted charitable giving. Overseen by a small family board emphasizing stewardship, low governance costs, and long-term continuity, it draws on investment income to support inclusivity, vulnerable populations, and the cultural/natural heritage of the region, distributing nearly all funds as grants to organizations rather than individuals.

It prioritizes four core areas: medical and health (hospices, research, facilities like Teenage Cancer Trust); community welfare (poverty relief, disability, social disadvantage); environment and wildlife (conservation, local improvements); and church/heritage (religious buildings, cultural preservation). Funding covers projects, core costs, capital (equipment, facilities), and programmes benefiting children, young people, and the disabled, with a flexible approach to enduring public impact.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities of any size—from grassroots groups to major institutions—with no income thresholds, though 96% of grants target North West-based or operating entities; national charities qualify if they have strong local ties. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via letter (including organization details, grant purpose, and evidence) to the trustees' address, assessed on a rolling basis with decisions at their discretion—allow several months for response. Typical grants range £5,000–£25,000, occasionally up to £100,000+ for significant projects.

Distinctive for its broad, non-themed support within the region, refusal of trustee payments or trading/fundraising, and highly selective local focus, it stands out by backing diverse causes linked to community connection and lasting benefit, eschewing fixed strategies for pragmatic, impact-driven giving.