Deadline: 10-Sep-2026
The Philip Henman Trust provides grants to major UK-based charities for professionally managed overseas development projects lasting 3–5 years. Funding focuses on education, skills development, and infrastructure projects with long-term impact, offering £3,000–£5,000 per year, up to £25,000 in total. Applications must be submitted online by 10 September.
Overview
The Philip Henman Trust is a UK-based charitable foundation supporting long-term overseas development projects. The Trust funds projects that are professionally managed by established major UK charities, focus on education, skills development, infrastructure, or technology, demonstrate lasting impact for people, communities, or the environment, include co-funding from other sources, and follow safeguarding policies when involving children or vulnerable adults. Key restriction: The Trust does not fund emergency responses, urgent medical needs, or ongoing concerns.
Funding Details
Grants are provided in annual instalments of £3,000–£5,000. Maximum total funding per project: £25,000. Projects must be 3–5 years in duration. The Trust generally awards only two new long-term grants per year. Funding covers 20–80% of the total project budget. Once approved, the grant is guaranteed annually as long as receipts and reports are submitted correctly. Each project may receive support only once.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be major UK-registered charities with annual expenditure over £100,000. Projects must start no earlier than 1 December following the application year. Projects must demonstrate professional management and long-term development impact. The project must clearly fit within the Trust’s funding priorities. Not eligible: Individuals, small charities below the threshold, or projects outside the UK charity framework.
Why It Matters
The Philip Henman Trust focuses on long-term, sustainable impact rather than short-term relief. Funding supports building educational opportunities in underserved communities, developing skills and vocational training programs, establishing infrastructure or technology projects that benefit communities for years, and supporting charities that can leverage co-funding for greater scale. This ensures that funded projects create lasting change and measurable outcomes.
How to Apply
Prepare your project proposal ensuring it meets the Trust’s criteria. Complete the online application form—do not send materials by post unless specifically requested. Include clear details on project objectives, planned activities, expected outcomes, and budget breakdown and co-funding sources. Submit your application before 10 September. The Trust acknowledges receipt and shortlists applications after the deadline. Shortlisted applicants may be asked for additional information. Trustees review applications once a year (October or November). Final decisions are communicated by 30 November. First instalment of funding is issued 6 April of the following financial year. Tip: Make applications clear and concise, explaining how the money will be spent and what will be achieved. Trustees may not be familiar with technical NGO terminology.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting after the deadline or by post unnecessarily. Failing to demonstrate long-term project impact. Applying for emergency or short-term projects. Not providing clear budget and co-funding details. Using overly technical NGO jargon without plain-language explanations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Can small charities apply? No. Only major UK-registered charities with annual expenditure over £100,000 are eligible.
-
Can a project receive repeated funding? No. A project can only be funded once by the Trust.
-
What types of projects are supported? Projects must focus on education, skills development, infrastructure, or technology with long-term community or environmental impact.
-
Are emergency or medical projects eligible? No. The Trust does not fund urgent or emergency projects.
-
How is the funding disbursed? Funding is provided in annual instalments of £3,000–£5,000, with a maximum total grant of £25,000.
-
When must projects start? Projects must start no earlier than 1 December following the application year.
-
How do I increase my chances of success? Provide a clear, concise application that explains objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and budget in plain language.
Conclusion
The Philip Henman Trust offers a rare opportunity for major UK charities to secure funding for long-term overseas development projects with measurable impact. By supporting education, skills development, and infrastructure initiatives, the Trust ensures that charitable work is sustainable, professionally managed, and transformative for communities and the environment. Applying requires careful preparation, clear presentation, and alignment with Trust priorities, but successful projects receive guaranteed annual funding, enabling meaningful, long-lasting overseas development.
For more information, visit Philip Henman Trust.