Application guidelines

We are permanently open to applications.

Before you apply, please check the eligibility exclusions list in the right side panel.

Please apply by email.

We consider applications for core or project or capital costs.

Since we started in 2006, our main focus has been end-of-life care in a hospice and hospice-at-home context. However, the trustees consider projects from a wide range of areas, except those which are not eligible. For a breakdown of the areas we have funded in the last year, please read our latest accounts (link in left side panel).

We try to keep the application process simple, which is why there are no application forms. Please email your application to Richard Pierce-Saunderson as a Word document or a pdf file (2 or 3 A4 pages max, in a reasonable font size). You can attach your budget as a separate document. We treat all the information you provide us with as confidential.

For all applications, please include the following in your application:

• Details, budget, and number of users of the proposed project (if applying for core costs, let us know what your budgeted core costs are);
• Impact measurement (please provide data/statistics);
• The full cost of raising voluntary income (grants & donations), especially if this isn't split out in your accounts (if you don't split this out at all, please just let us know that you don't);
• How much cash you have in the bank at the time of application;
• The level of your free reserves at the time of application (not those in your most recent accounts);
• The number of patients/clients/participants a week you have at the time of application (for the project you're applying for, and across your entire organisation);
• Your headcount (in FTE) at the time of application;
• Your most recent audited accounts in their entirety;
• Your bank details (on a bank statement less than 3 months old).

For hospice applications, please also provide the following:

• Total fundraising cost, inc trading, as % of total cost;
• Admin (non-clinical, non-fundraising) costs as percentage of entire costs;
• In-patient bed occupancy (% capacity);
• Day hospice/outpatients capacity utilisation (%);
• Home care hours (including specialist & other domiciliary care services) delivered;
• Latest CQC rating (including its date);
• Your most recent Quality Account if you have one.

Our median award is £5,000. We are happy to part-fund projects. Re-applications can be for the continuation of previously-funded projects (you don't have to apply for a different project every time you apply). Only around 20% of applications are successful.

It normally takes a maximum 12 weeks from application to applicants being informed of the trustees' decision. There are no application deadlines as trustees normally make grant decisions on a monthly basis. E-mail applications are acknowledged when they are processed, not on receipt. Please allow at least 4 weeks after you have sent your application before you start chasing for a response.

Please note that hardcopy applications take significantly longer to process than email applications, and their receipt is not acknowledged. Please do not send DVDs, CDs, glossy brochures or similar.

Successful applicants should not re-apply until at least 12 months after their most recent grant. Such re-applications can be for the continuation of previously funded projects.

Unsuccessful applicants should not re-apply until at least 12 months after their most recent application.

 Application eligibility exclusions

The following are not eligible to apply:

• Animal charities (except those involving therapy or sport for the disabled);
• Charities which are party-politically driven;
• Charities with a commercial bias for a particular product or company;
• Charities with an aggressive religious bias;
• Child care;
• Citizens’ Advice Bureaux;
• Community centres;
• Community Interest Companies (CICs);
• Education including
• Adult/Further,
• Higher,
• Primary,
• Secondary,
• Special Educational Needs;
• Housing associations;
• Individuals;
• Medical research;
• Military charities (inc those for veterans);
• Minibuses;
• NHS trusts (or charities which support them);
• Non-departmental government bodies; 
• Outdoor activity centres;
• Overseas projects;
• Scouts, Guides, Brownies, Cubs, and similar organisations;
  
• Single-faith organisations;
  
• Sports clubs, unless only for the mentally or physically disabled;
  
• Village halls;
• Youth clubs & centres.

The trustees review the Foundation's giving strategy at least once a year.

 This exclusions list last updated on 12 February 2024.