Sir Sigmund Sternberg Charitable Foundation

The Sir Sigmund Sternberg Charitable Foundation, established in 1969 by philanthropist and interfaith pioneer Sir Sigmund Sternberg, advances general charitable purposes with a distinctive, enduring focus on promoting interfaith dialogue and religious/racial harmony, particularly among Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Rooted in Sternberg's vision to dismantle religious and ethnic barriers, it champions tolerance, equality, and mutual understanding through education on shared and distinct faith tenets. Governed by a 1968 deed (amended over time), the foundation strategically deploys income from investment properties to support institutions fostering community cohesion and anti-discrimination.

It funds core costs, programme delivery, scholarships, and strategic initiatives for established charities and academic bodies advancing interfaith relations—key grantees include the Faith & Belief Forum, Woolf Institute, World Congress of Faiths, Queen’s College Cambridge, and the Anne Frank Trust. Priorities encompass multicultural education, Jewish cultural programmes, and efforts reducing division, with a practical emphasis on national/regional UK impact rather than grassroots or direct individual aid.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities and academic institutions (no unsolicited applications; invite-only via trustee discretion). It prefers medium-to-large, established organisations without strict income thresholds, focusing on UK operations or impact, with no geographic or religious restrictions beyond alignment. Typical grants range £3,000–£20,000 (scholarships up to £10,000), awarded ad hoc at periodic trustee meetings (at least annually).

Distinctively proactive in interfaith philanthropy for over 50 years, it avoids emergency relief, seed funding, or small-scale groups, prioritising systemic change through recurring support for proven leaders in harmony and education.