Sir Samuel Scott of Yews Trust

The Sir Samuel Scott of Yews Trust, established in 1951 by philanthropist Sir Samuel Haslam Scott, 2nd Baronet—a Lake District conservationist with a legacy in public benefit—focuses exclusively on advancing medical research for health improvements. Despite broad legal objects, trustees exercise absolute discretion to channel its endowment solely into high-quality, original medical research projects, reflecting the founder's vision of scientific progress. This enduring specialization distinguishes it as a niche funder prioritizing research quality and public health outcomes over broader charitable causes.

It supports UK-registered medical research charities undertaking studies on diverse conditions, including sight loss (e.g., Retina UK), neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., PSP Association), rare diseases (e.g., Batten Disease Family Association), and wider health challenges. Grants fund specific research initiatives, not core costs, unrestricted support, or non-research activities.

Eligible applicants are established UK charities (medium to large preferred) operating UK-wide, with no regional restrictions or income thresholds specified, though invite-only access favors specialist research organizations already aligned with its remit. Unsolicited applications are unlikely to succeed due to the absence of public processes or portals.

Typical grants range from £5,000 to £25,000 (averaging £10,000–£20,000), awarded on a rolling basis at trustees' discretion without fixed deadlines or rounds. It excludes non-medical research, advocacy, generalist charities, seed/emergency funding, or capacity building, setting it apart through its small-scale operation (three trustees), independence, and unwavering medical research focus.