Patrick & Helena Frost Foundation

The Patrick & Helena Frost Foundation is a private grant-making charity established in 1991 in England, founded by or in honour of Patrick and Helena Frost. Its mission is to strengthen communities by empowering smaller charitable organisations and grassroots initiatives characterised by significant self-help, voluntary effort, and local commitment. With a trustee-led, proactive approach, the foundation emphasises strategic giving driven by hands-on trustee oversight, drawing solely from investment income of a substantial endowment to support enduring social value without external pressures.

It funds a broad spectrum of causes, including education and training, health advancement, disability support, poverty alleviation, housing, arts, culture and heritage, animal welfare, economic and community development, and employment. Beneficiaries encompass children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other voluntary bodies, with a strong preference for projects demonstrating volunteer-driven impact, such as food poverty relief (e.g., Felix Project), learning disabilities (e.g., Hft), and communication support (e.g., Sense). Grants flexibly cover projects, core costs, capital, and unrestricted needs for organisations with deep local roots.

Eligible entities are strictly UK-registered charities operating in England and Wales—particularly those with Jersey ties—focusing on smaller to medium-sized groups showing substantial self-initiative; no support for individuals or large national charities. Typical grants range from £10,000 to £50,000, with annual expenditure of £480,000–£700,000.

Distinctively invite-only, the foundation rejects all unsolicited applications, with trustees proactively identifying and approaching recipients—no deadlines, forms, or open rounds exist. This selective, relationship-focused model prioritises self-sustaining, community-led efforts over dependency, setting it apart in the UK landscape for backing high-impact, volunteer-powered change.