Nathan-Karet Charitable Trust

The Nathan-Karet Charitable Trust, established in 1983 by family members of Ian Karet, is a family-endowed UK charity stewarding resources for public benefit through discretionary grantmaking to registered charities, not individuals. Rooted in traditional family philanthropy, its mission emphasizes broad charitable purposes with a focus on the arts (especially theatre and music), science, religious activities, and relief for those in need, while also encompassing education, health, citizenship, community development, culture, heritage, human rights, and conflict resolution. With no paid staff and trustees like Ian and Dr. Sara Karet directing operations from Linklaters LLP in London, it maintains a low-cost, hands-off model funded solely by family donations and investments, holding reserves over £2.1 million as of 2022.

The trust supports unrestricted core funding, project grants, or capital aid for established charities aligning with its priorities, disbursing £32,000–£73,000 annually in recent years without thematic rigidity or public strategies.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities operating primarily in England and Wales (occasionally beyond), with a preference for small to medium or larger organizations over grassroots groups; there are no formal income thresholds. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—grantmaking is invitation-only, trustee-led, with no deadlines, open rounds, or published processes; decisions occur adhoc.

Distinctively discreet and flexible, the trust avoids individuals, public fundraising, strategic plans, impact reports, or rigid allocations, differentiating it as a classic, closed family trust prioritizing enduring values over transparency or scale.