Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust

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 2024, the first two rounds focused on Disability specifically employment and training to ensure better access. The third (July) and fourth (September) rounds were focused on Food Poverty given the increasing levels across the UK. 
• In 2025, the first two rounds will focus on Access to the Arts. The third and fourth rounds will focus 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.

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.

Eligible Expenditure

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

Support was available for the following priorities in 2024:

• Rounds 1 and 2 – Disability. 
• Rounds 3 and 4 – Food Poverty. 

Support is available for the following priorities in 2025.

• Rounds 1 and 2 – The Arts: Improving Access: Focus is on performing arts projects that improve audience access and participation. (Applications will not be considered from non-performing arts projects or projects focussing on performers.)
• Rounds 3 and 4 – Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Projects focusing exclusively on refugees and/or asylum seekers without extending services to other groups. 

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.

For details on restrictions and how to apply please visit Home – The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust