Sir Halley Stewart Trust

The Sir Halley Stewart Trust, founded in 1924 by Non-Conformist Christian minister, MP, and philanthropist Sir Halley Stewart, is a family-led foundation with trustees including descendants and experts. Its core mission, rooted in Christian values, focuses on preventing—rather than alleviating—human suffering through pioneering, innovative work, especially exploratory research and ground-breaking developments overlooked by risk-averse funders. Education cuts across its three thematic priorities: Medical (e.g., neurology, palliative care), Social (e.g., disadvantage prevention, mental health for youth), and Religious (e.g., community cohesion, faith development), supporting diverse beneficiaries like young people, disadvantaged groups, ill-health sufferers, and faith communities via UK-based charities delivering UK or international projects.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, academic institutions, and CICs partnered with charities, with a preference for small- to medium-sized organizations (social projects up to £3m income); larger well-funded entities are rarely supported. No religious restrictions apply, but strong ethical governance, EEDI/safeguarding policies, and pre-application discussions are essential.

Grants range from £5,000–£60,000 (Main Grants, up to 3 years, max £30k/year; exceptionally £80k) and Small Grants up to £5,000 for pilots. Unsolicited applications follow a three-stage process: online Eligibility Test, Expression of Interest, then full application, tied to quarterly Board meetings (February, June, October; next deadline 30 June 2025 for 9 October meeting). Decisions take 3-4 months.

Exclusions cover core costs, capital, university overheads, general appeals, retrospective funding, and unrestricted support. Distinctively, it acts as a 'first funder' for high-risk, preventative ideas with dissemination potential, blending family heritage, Christian ethos, and openness to catalyze systemic change.