Wolfson Foundation

The Wolfson Foundation, an independent UK grant-making charity established in 1955 by Sir Isaac Wolfson, advances excellence and opportunity in science, medicine, health, education, heritage, the arts, and humanities. Rooted in civic responsibility, partnership, and public benefit, it has awarded over £1 billion to more than 14,000 projects, emphasizing capital infrastructure like buildings, refurbishments, and equipment to foster thriving research, health, and cultural environments UK-wide.

It prioritizes four themes: science and medicine (labs, research institutes); health and disability (hospices, mental health facilities); education (schools, universities, STEM upgrades); and heritage, humanities, and arts (museums, galleries, libraries). Grants target organizations delivering national/regional significance, innovation, and measurable impact, including partnerships for fellowships, with a focus on under-resourced regions.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, academic institutions, schools, hospitals, and cultural bodies, preferably medium-to-large with strong governance and track records; no strict income thresholds, but preference for those securing match funding and planning permissions. Applications follow a two-stage online process (EOI then full), accepted biannually: Round 1 (Nov-Jan EOI, Mar full, June decisions); Round 2 (May-Jul EOI, Sep full, Dec decisions). Typical grants range £15,000–£1 million, scaling by project (e.g., £250k+ for universities).

Exclusively capital-focused (85% of spend), it avoids revenue/core costs, retrospective funding, non-UK projects, or direct individual support outside partnerships. Distinguished by rigorous external peer review, trustee oversight, repeat investments in excellence, and catalytic role in UK infrastructure, it suits ambitious institutions transforming facilities for societal gain.