Rainford Trust
About This Funder
The Rainford Trust, an independent grant-making charity established in 1973 by the Pilkington family—founders of the historic St Helens glassmaking firm—focuses on general charitable purposes with a strong emphasis on benefiting institutions and communities in St Helens Metropolitan Borough, while also supporting UK-wide and overseas initiatives linked to Pilkington heritage sites. Guided by values of social responsibility, community enrichment, and pragmatic support for those in greatest need, the Trust prioritizes low-bureaucracy, case-by-case funding to foster welfare, education, humanities, environmental wellbeing, and medical research, embodying a legacy-driven commitment to local traditions and grassroots change.
It funds diverse activities including welfare for children, youth, elderly, and disabled people; educational bursaries and materials (especially for St Helens residents); arts and humanities projects; environmental conservation; health/medical research; poverty relief; economic/community development; amateur sports; and limited religious work. Grants cover project costs, core funding (salaries, overheads), capital, and ongoing expenses, with beneficiaries encompassing registered charities, constituted community groups, and select St Helens-connected individuals for education.
Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups (even small/new ones below £5,000 income), and exceptional individuals, with no geographic base required but preference for St Helens/Pilkington areas; national/international projects by UK charities are considered. Typical grants range £1,000–£5,000. Unsolicited applications via website form (emailed with recent accounts) are accepted rolling basis—no deadlines, assessed in weeks by Local Appeals Committee/Board, payments swift for successes (one grant every three years typical). Distinctively flexible without strict themes or exclusions beyond non-charitable purposes, it differentiates through heritage focus, openness to core costs, and support for local institutions addressing real needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rainford Trust
How much funding does Rainford Trust provide?
Rainford Trust typically provides grants ranging from £1,000 - £5,000.
Is Rainford Trust accepting applications?
Yes, Rainford Trust is currently open to applications from eligible charities.
Where does Rainford Trust fund charities?
Rainford Trust funds charities operating in St Helens Metropolitan Borough, UK.
How do I apply for funding from Rainford Trust?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Rainford Trust, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.