Thomas Farr Charity

The Thomas Farr Charity, established in 1989 from the sale of Nottingham's Home Brewery, honors its past Chairman Thomas Farr by empowering local communities in Nottinghamshire and adjacent areas through grants that promote wellbeing, lifelong learning, and social cohesion. Rooted in the founder's philanthropic ethos, the charity—governed by trustees with broad discretion—prioritizes practical, impact-driven support for education, youth development, community healthcare, health education, elderly assistance, crime prevention, social care, and engagement for vulnerable groups facing deprivation or disadvantage.

It funds registered UK charities and constituted voluntary/community groups delivering projects or core costs for initiatives like family support, educational programs for disadvantaged youth, community health schemes, and crime prevention efforts, with a strong emphasis on small to medium-sized local organizations (typically under £500,000 annual income). Applications from large national charities, individuals, or those covering statutory duties are ineligible, as are retrospective funding, political campaigns, capital projects, or business loans.

Unsolicited applications are welcomed via email or post per website guidance, with three annual rounds: deadlines 20 January, 20 May, and 20 September, ahead of trustee meetings in March, July, and November. Decisions follow within 2-3 months. Typical grants range £1,000-£5,000, often repeated for proven local impact. Distinctively localist, the charity responds flexibly to Nottinghamshire's evolving needs while steadfastly upholding its brewery legacy and community-centered values, facilitated sometimes via Nottinghamshire Community Foundation.