Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust

Aims/priorities: 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: Projects that provide therapeutic support, including healthy eating and outdoor activities. Projects must focus exclusively on unpaid carers, without extending services to other groups. 
  • 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.

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

Grant amount: 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 - Deadline Wednesday 30 September

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.

Application process: Applicants should first read the guidelines and FAQs before starting the application process, you can do this here.

The online application form can be found here.

Deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Contact information: Email: admin@austin-hope-pilkington.org.uk

Website: Home - The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust