Rose Paterson Trust

The Rose Paterson Trust, established in 2020 by the family of Rose Paterson following her tragic suicide, is a UK grant-making charity dedicated to combating the suicide epidemic through unrestricted funding that strengthens frontline organisations and individuals at risk. Rooted in personal grief transformed into action, its mission emphasises compassion, hope, and life-saving impact, prioritising small, innovative charities delivering practical suicide prevention and mental health initiatives, such as training, outreach, and crisis support for vulnerable communities.

It funds core operational costs, direct service delivery, and innovative projects that reduce suicide risk and generate hope, targeting grassroots UK-based groups underserved by larger funders, with a focus on evidence-based, community-level interventions rather than broad awareness campaigns.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities based in the UK (predominantly supporting England and Wales to date), with a strong preference for small organisations demonstrating proven impact; no strict income thresholds apply, but larger national entities are rarely funded. Applications are strictly invitation-only, identified by trustees during the annual spring round, with decisions at their late spring/early summer meeting—no unsolicited submissions or rolling deadlines.

Typical grants range from £5,000 to £20,000. The Trust excludes one-off events, academic research, fundraising, marketing, media development, or indirect activities, distinguishing itself through its family-led, lived-experience ethos, unwavering suicide-specific focus, and commitment to filling gaps for effective, passionate small charities fostering enduring policy and sectoral change.