Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust

Background

The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust offers funding to UK registered charities whose work takes place in the UK. 

The funding is intended to support those in society who face the greatest challenges and whose opportunities are the most limited.

Objectives of Fund

The Trust operates a three-year rotation system, with different fields of interests being funded each year: 

• In 2025, the first two rounds focused on Access to the Arts. The third and fourth rounds focused on Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

• In 2026, the first two rounds will focus on People experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The third and fourth rounds will focus on unpaid carers. 

• In 2027, the first two rounds will focus on reducing loneliness for 60s and over. The third and fourth rounds will focus on mental health for young carers.

Value Notes

The Trust awards grants of either £1,000 or £5,000 depending on the grant round: 

• Round 1 - £1,000

• Round 2 - £5,000

• Round 3 - £1,000

• Round 4 - £5,000

The level of grant awarded is determined by the income of the charity: 

• Grants of £1,000 are available for charities with an operating income of between £100,000 and £1 million.

• Grants of £5,000 are available for charities with a minimum operating income of £1 million. There is no maximum level.

Charities may only apply for one grant per calendar year.

Who Can Apply

Organisations registered with the Charity Commission (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or OSCR, or exempt from registration, can apply.

Location

United Kingdom.

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding: 

• Any not-for-profit organisation (eg social enterprise and community foundation) that is not a UK registered charity or organisation exempt from registration.

• Charities with an income of less than £100,000.

• Overseas projects.

• Capital projects, including churches, schools, hospitals, hospices, museums, galleries and theatres.

• Churches even when they are used by community groups.

• Schools, including activities.

• Village halls.

• Minibuses or other vehicles.

• Shopmobility.

• Charities involved with religion (including repair of church fabric).

• Charities involved with animals (welfare and conservation).

• Individuals, including individuals embarking on a trip overseas with a charitable organisation.

• Individual hospices.

• Students.

• Scouts, Guides, Cubs, Brownies.

• Sea Cadets.

• Holidays, including respite holidays.

• Salaries (unless the staff member is specifically employed for the project).

Eligible Expenditure

The Trust operates a three-year rotation system, with different fields of interests being funded each year. 

Support will be available for the following priorities in 2026: 

• Rounds 1 and 2 - People experiencing or at risk of homelessness: Focus will be given to projects that provide life skills, including food education, healthy living, and budgeting. Priority will be given to people leaving the armed forces, leaving prison, or care. 

• Rounds 3 and 4 - Unpaid carers: Projects that provide therapeutic support, including healthy eating and outdoor activities. Projects must focus exclusively on unpaid carers, without extending services to other groups. 

The project must fall within the relevant category for the year the application is submitted and organisations may only make one application during any one year.

How To Apply

There are normally four application rounds per year with applications accepted for one month only, usually in February, April, July, and September. Charities can only apply for one round per calendar year. 

Further information on future rounds of funding will be provided when available. 

Applicants should first read the guidelines and FAQs before starting the application process. 

The online application form can be found on the Trust's website. 

The Trust publishes a list of successful applicants after the trustee meetings. Those who have received funding will find their name on the Trust's website in the 'Successful Applicants' section. 

Contact the Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust by email for further information. The Trust does not accept telephone calls.

Useful links

Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust
https://austin-hope-pilkington.org.uk/

Addresses and contacts

For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:

Administrator
The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust

E-Mail: admin@austin-hope-pilkington.org.uk