Paragon Trust

The Paragon Trust is a privately funded charitable trust registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales since August 1979, dedicated to advancing general charitable purposes through grant-making to UK-registered charities and occasionally individuals in need. Governed by a long-serving board of trustees with no paid staff or public fundraising, it draws from investment income to support broad public benefit causes, including social welfare, education, health, and poverty relief, without thematic restrictions, strategic priorities, or targeted sectors. Its distinctive approach emphasizes trustee discretion in fostering enduring, generalist support across varied charitable fields, prioritizing stability and private stewardship over innovation or impact metrics.

The Trust funds unrestricted core costs and general-purpose activities for small to medium-sized charities operating anywhere, with a focus on organizations delivering public benefit throughout England and Wales. It shows no geographic, beneficiary group, or issue-based preferences, making it suitable for diverse charitable efforts benefiting communities or individuals, though patterns reveal consistent awards to established UK entities without formal programmes or case studies.

Eligibility is limited to UK-registered charities, with a preference for those of smaller scale but no strict income thresholds. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—grants are awarded solely at trustee discretion without public processes, forms, deadlines, or meeting schedules. Typical grants range from £1,000 to £10,000, occasionally higher but rarely exceeding £20,000. Distinctively generalist amid specialized funders, it excludes open applications and strategic initiatives, differentiating itself through flexible, discretion-driven philanthropy unbound by trends or exclusions beyond legal charitable requirements.