Syncona Foundation

The Syncona Foundation, established in 2012 by Syncona Limited, is an independent grantmaker with a mission to advance the prevention, treatment, cure, and eradication of cancer and other serious diseases, while supporting high-impact charitable activities. Closely aligned with Syncona’s patient-focused ethos, it emphasizes transformational medical progress, equitable health access, and empowering charities for direct patient and community impact. Governed by five trustees and funded by over £45 million from Syncona since inception (including £4-5 million annually), it delivers long-term, unrestricted, multi-year grants that provide stability and flexibility, fostering trust-based partnerships with active trustee involvement, professional networks, and strategic advice.

It prioritizes organizations enhancing patient outcomes in cancer research and treatment (e.g., Institute of Cancer Research’s Darwinian drug discovery and Syncona Biology Unit), neurodegenerative diseases, gene therapy, inherited eye diseases and glaucoma (lead funder of Fight for Sight), palliative/end-of-life care (major supporter of Marie Curie), children’s mental health (Place2Be), and STEM pathways for low-income/underrepresented youth (Generating Genius). Funded activities span translational research, direct clinical support, NHS/community care, and social mobility initiatives, benefiting UK patients/communities with serious illnesses and disadvantaged groups.

Eligible entities are UK-registered charities or academic institutions with national-scale operations and substantial income (typically >£1 million annually); small or grassroots groups are not supported. Geographically UK-wide with no sub-regional limits. Invite-only: no unsolicited applications, open calls, or deadlines—trustees proactively select partners via adhoc meetings. Grants range £100,000–£1 million+ yearly, focusing on core costs, capacity building, and strategic projects rather than short-term or restricted funding. Distinctive for its sustained, high-value collaborations enabling bold, generational impact in healthcare and life sciences.