Vinchel Foundation

The Vinchel Foundation is a UK-registered grant-making charity established in 2015, dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired people, their families, and carers through targeted funding. Its core mission, enshrined in governing documents, focuses on relieving blindness and visual impairment, advancing education for those affected, and promoting scientific research into causes and treatments. Guided by trustees including chair Alastair Tulloch and the Vinchel family, the Foundation embodies values of empowerment, independence, and enhanced quality of life, with a distinctive strategic, impact-driven approach honed by deep expertise in sight loss needs.

It funds projects and organisations directly benefiting blind and visually impaired individuals—especially young people—including education initiatives, family and carer support programmes, peer networks, accessible infrastructure like refurbished accommodations (e.g., Vinchel Lodge at New College Worcester), and international home support for children with congenital vision issues. Notable grants to groups like MACS have enabled volunteer expansion, regional events, and community-building, prioritising outcomes in independence, wellbeing, educational attainment, and social inclusion.

Eligible entities include UK and international charities of varying sizes (small grassroots to medium institutions) with proven impact in visual impairment, without income thresholds or geographic restrictions. Typical grants range from £20,000 to £50,000 (up to £100,000 for capital or multi-year projects), covering project-specific, capital, and programme costs—but not unrestricted core funding. Funding is strictly invitation-only on a rolling basis; unsolicited applications are not accepted, with trustees proactively identifying aligned opportunities. This selective focus sets it apart from generalist funders, emphasising measurable change in practical support and scientific advancement for sight loss.