THE ASTOR FOUNDATION – Small Grants for Charities undertaking a range of charitable activities (next application deadline 31 August 2015)

Devon-based The Astor’s Foundation’s primary aim is to support general medical research. Previous awards include medical equipment or equipment for use in research, or grants to cover travelling and subsistence expenses for doctors and students studying abroad.

However, in addition to its medical connection, the Foundation also supports initiatives for:

• Children and youth groups.
• The disabled.
• The countryside.
• The Arts.
• Sport.
• Carers groups, and
• Animal welfare.

In general, the Foundation gives preference to providing assistance with the launching and initial stages of new projects and filling in gaps/shortfalls.

Grants between £250 and £1,500 are normally awarded, although the Foundation generally doesn’t encourage building projects or salaries. Grants are only available to registered charities.

The Foundation normally distributes over £100,000 in grants each year. In the financial year ending 5 April 2014 the Foundation made 76 awards totalling £113,500.

The application process is ongoing and interested applicants may apply at any time.

The Trustees meet twice yearly to consider applications, usually in April and October.

If an appeal arrives too late for one meeting it will automatically be carried over for consideration at the following meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: the Foundation does not have a website. Further information is however available on the Charity Commission website.

Contact details for the Foundation are:

Mrs Lisa Rothwell-Orr
The Astor Foundation
PO BOX 168 Bideford
EX39 6WB
Email: astor.foundation@gmail.com

(Source: GRIN)