The Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust operates a 3-year grant rotation system, with different areas of interest funded each year.
The Trust alternates between offering grants of £1,000 (Rounds 1 and 3) and £5,000 (Rounds 2 and 4) each year. For grants of £1,000, applicants must have an annual turnover of between £100,000 and £1 million. For grants of £5,000, applicants must have an annual turnover of over £1 million. Charities may only apply for one round per calendar year.
The Trust has a tendency to prioritise the awarding of grants to UK charities that are known to the Trust. Charities that, at some stage, would like to apply for a grant could consider making themselves known to the Trust through a letter of introduction.
There is a long list of exclusions. Further information, guidance, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and an online application form is available on the Trust’s website.
The Trust's focus areas for 2026 will be:
Rounds 1 and 2 - People experiencing or at risk of homelessness: projects that provide life skills, including food education, healthy living, and budgeting. Priority will be given to people leaving the armed forces, leaving prison, or care.
Rounds 3 and 4 - 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.