Witheren Foundation

The Witheren Foundation is a small, independent charitable trust registered in England and Wales in January 2021 (charity number 1192994), established through a discretionary trust deed granting trustees full flexibility to support any exclusively charitable purposes under English law worldwide. Operating from Bristol with professional administration by Ludlow Trust Co Ltd, it embodies a generalist grantmaking ethos focused on public benefit, guided by robust governance including reserves, risk, and conflict policies. With no stated mission beyond broad charitable impact, it prioritizes trustee judgement to back diverse causes, showing affinity for strengthening UK grassroots charities through associations like the Centre for Social Justice.

It funds a wide array of general charitable activities without thematic restrictions, including project work, core costs, and capacity building for charities and not-for-profits. Beneficiaries span small to medium-sized organizations, with encouragement for grassroots groups addressing social needs across England and Wales, though global purposes are permissible.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities based in or serving England and Wales, with no income thresholds, religious restrictions, or prior invitations required; unsolicited applications are welcomed. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £30,000, tailored to need. Submit via the online portal at funding.ludlowtrust.com on a rolling basis—no deadlines—with decisions typically within 1-3 months at trustee meetings.

Distinctive for its non-prescriptive approach and lack of exclusions beyond non-charitable activities, the Foundation stands out as a flexible, accessible funder for generalist needs, eschewing targeted programmes or impact reporting in favour of straightforward discretionary support.