The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust was founded in 1964 to support health- and care‑related charities across the UK. The Ann Rylands Small Donations programme is one of its key grant streams, targeting smaller charities in the health and care space.
The programme supports UK‑based registered charities offering emotional and practical help to people with physical or mental ill health, disabilities, chronic or serious illness, palliative/end‑of‑life care, and their families and carers. Projects that improve quality of life, enhance care services, or overcome social isolation and exclusion are particularly welcomed.
Applications must come from UK‑registered charities. Organisations must have been established for at least three years, have an annual income between £100,000 and £2 million, free reserves under 12 months’ expenditure, and not be community interest companies (CICs). Faith‑based organisations, village halls, one‑off events, medical research, or organisations outside the UK are excluded.
Deadlines
Applications can be submitted at any time (no fixed closing date). Decisions are typically made within around three months of submission. Organisations may only apply once in any 12‑month period.
Application process
Applicants complete an online application form, including links to recent signed accounts and a bank statement dated within the past three months. Applicants select one of the targeted themes, provide a summary of planned outcomes and beneficiary numbers, and indicate how the funds will be used. Awards are unrestricted and can cover core or project costs (excluding research).
Any specific tips to apply
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Clearly align your work with one of the priority themes (e.g. disability, serious illness, mental health support).
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Ensure your charity’s income falls within the required band (£100k‑£2m) and that free reserves are under one year’s expenditure.
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Provide concise, measurable outcomes and show how your charity delivers lasting benefit and value for money.
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Validate governance, safeguarding, and financial controls.
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Choose a realistic grant ask (the trust determines amounts: average awards are typically between £2,000 and £3,000 with a maximum about £5,000).