The Sir Halley Stewart Trust is a long-established UK grant-making charity that supports initiatives strengthening civil society, health, education and social welfare. It takes a broad, human-rights-informed view of charitable work, backing organisations and programmes that address disadvantage, promote inclusion and improve wellbeing.
Priority themes they want to fund
The Trust prioritises work in a range of areas, including:
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Health and wellbeing, including mental health and community health initiatives
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Education, skills and learning, particularly where these address inequality
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Social welfare and poverty alleviation
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Citizenship, participation and rights, including community engagement and social justice work
The Trust particularly welcomes work with clear evidence of community need and measurable impact.
Grants are open to UK registered charities and not-for-profit organisations. While the Trust tends to prioritise established charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs) with clearly charitable objects and governance may also be eligible depending on the project.
Grant amounts & use
The Sir Halley Stewart Trust offers small to medium-sized grants, and can support project costs, staff and programme delivery, research and evaluation, capacity building, and organisational development where these align with the Trust’s priorities.
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Small Grants: up to £5,000 (one-off awards for smaller, scoping or pilot projects).
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Main Grants: typically between £5,001 and £60,000 in total, spread over 1–3 years (with a £30,000 maximum per year). In rare and exceptional cases, the Trust may consider awards up to £80,000
Application process & deadlines
Applications are submitted online via the Trust’s application system. There are no fixed annual deadlines; trustees review applications throughout the year. Applicants should provide a clear narrative, realistic budget and evidence of need.