Aims/priorities: The funding is for UK-registered charities which promote a proactive approach to the physical and mental well-being of people who are over 65 years of age.
The charity's work should fall into one of the following categories:
- Health and welfare - grants are for the refurbishment of residential care housing for the elderly and for building projects which are nearing completion. Consideration will also be given to the provision of equipment and furniture to enhance care and improve quality of life.
- Community and innovation - grants for community initiatives such as exercise classes for the over-65s, lunch clubs, horticultural therapy and day trips. Consideration will also be given to technology projects aimed at benefitting the over-65s.
Due to the high demand for grants, priority is given to applications from charities working in areas of deprivation and those which have a focus on arts and wellbeing.
Who can apply? UK-registered charities may apply.
To be eligible, charities must:
- Be based in the UK.
- Have, for at least one year, been registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, or the Regulator for Charities in Northern Ireland.
- Have as their aim ‘to help people over the age of 65’ and be able to show how they are making a difference to people’s lives.
In order to apply, 90% of their beneficiaries must be over the age of 65.
The trustees are interested in supporting a diverse range of charities which support older people, from large institutions to small community-run organisations. There is no upper limit in regard to annual turnover.
If a charity has received a grant from the Foundation, it must wait four years before applying for another award.
Grant amount: Funding is at the discretion of the Trustees.
Although there is no set minimum or maximum grant, grants tend to be between £1,000 and £1,500.
Around 100 organisations are awarded a grant each year.
Application process: There is no formal application form. The details of how to make an application can be found on the Foundation's website on the 'How to Apply' page.
Applications should be submitted by email to the Trustees.
Groups that have received a previous grant must wait four years before applying for another grant.
Deadline: Friday, 5 June 2026,
Contact information: Email: wgedwardscharity@icloud.com