New Trusts: Where Are They Now?

Each year, our researchers dig through hundreds of newly registered grant-making trusts, looking for hidden gems that could grow into impactful funders.  

Finding them, however, is no easy feat. New trusts often have very little publicly available information while they find their feet. Most have no website and limited details on their Charity Commission records, so DSC’s research team (the minds behind Funds Online) often has to piece together details from social media posts, newspaper articles, and any other information we can find to create a picture of what the funder wants to achieve.  

While some new funders launch with a clear mission and priorities from day one, others start with an idea and let it evolve over time, the direction often shaped by its early relationships and partnerships. In this article, we look back at some funders who have gone on to make a real difference.  

East Head Impact  

East Head Impact was added to Funds Online in 2022. At the time, we reported that it intended to make grants for general charitable purposes. Now in its fourth year, the charity has awarded grants totalling over £1.6 million, with even more pledged. Its grant-making approach has evolved to include both one-time and multi-year grants to support three areas aligned with the UN’s sustainability goals:   

• Health – focusing on mental and physical health   
• Education – supporting education and employment, particularly for disadvantaged people, by helping them overcome barriers, gain qualifications, and access opportunities in workplaces that promote racial equality and diversity. 
• The planet – funding projects that protect the environment and promote wildlife, flora, and fauna.  

While not currently accepting unsolicited applications, the charity states on its website that those interested in whether their project aligns with its goals should reach out by email.  

Q Charitable Trust  

Added to Funds Online in 2020, Q Charitable Trust initially stated that it would make grants for general charitable purposes. Since then, it has awarded over £6.6 million, including more than £1.3 million in the last year, supporting a diverse range of causes. Recent causes span from orchestras and children’s groups to mental health initiatives and dolphin welfare – a truly wide variety!   

The trust continues to make an impact and is currently open to applications through the Ludlow funding portal.  

The Mather Family Charitable Trust  

This family-led trust was added to Funds Online in 2019 and reported that it would make grants for general charitable purposes. Fast forward to 2026, and it is doing just that. The trust has supported a variety of causes, including sport, healthcare, domestic abuse, and the environment.  

According to its latest annual report, the trust donated over £1.6 million in 2024/25 and plans to continue awarding grants and doing what it can to help people in need. Although it doesn’t have a website, the trust states that it considers all requests for support on an individual basis.  

The Morrisons Foundation  

While supermarket chain Morrisons was founded in 1899, its corporate foundation only opened its doors back in 2015. When we first came across The Morrisons Foundation, the only clear detail was that its aim was to make a difference to the lives of people living in the communities where it operates. Since then, the foundation has awarded over £43 million in grant funding and a further £4 million in matching its employees’ donations. The foundation supports charities across England, Scotland and Wales delivering projects tackling poverty and social deprivation, enhancing community spaces, and improving health and wellbeing.  

The foundation is fully funded by WM Morrisons Supermarkets Ltd, whose employees act as ambassadors for the foundation, raising awareness and encouraging charities to apply for funding. In its latest financial year, the foundation distributed grants totalling £3.3 million and matched funding of £303,100 to 805 charitable causes. Applications for funding can be made via the foundation’s website.  

While it can take a little digging to uncover promising new trusts, as these funders highlight, it is always worth the effort. Their potential may not always be immediately apparent, but over time, many grow into organisations that deliver impactful support benefiting many. We regularly add new trusts to Funds Online, and each month our exclusive newsletter, Subscriber Insider, delivers our top picks straight to subscribers’ inboxes. Sign up today to stay ahead of the curve and spot new opportunities early.