Flat Iron Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £538,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable - no public application process
• Decision Time: Not applicable - invitation/trustee discretion only
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: United Kingdom
• Application Method: No public application process

Contact Details

Website: https://flatirontrust.org

Charity Number: 1178402

Note: This charity does not accept unsolicited applications. Contact details are for general enquiries only.

Overview

The Flat Iron Trust is a registered charity (number 1178402) that operates through a unique donation model where restaurant guests can add 10p to their bill, which is then matched by Flat Iron. With an annual giving of approximately £538,000 (2024), the Trust distributes funds to carefully selected charities. The Trust's giving strategy focuses on health-related charities that complement and support the vital work of the NHS, with additional support for environmental causes to help protect the world we live in. The Trust emphasises that they take great care in selecting the charities they support, doing their best to ensure “not a penny goes to waste.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Flat Iron Trust does not operate traditional grant programs with set amounts. Instead, trustees select beneficiary charities and distribute funds accumulated through restaurant donations throughout the year.

Application Method: No public application process - charities are selected by trustees

Priority Areas

Primary Focus Areas:

• Health-related charities - particularly those that complement and support the vital work of the NHS
• Environmental causes - to help protect the world we live in
• Team-selected charity - Each year, the Trust asks restaurant teams to select a charity operating in the health sector that significantly impacts communities in the UK

Current Partner Organisations Include:

• The Felix Project (food rescue and redistribution)
• Grassroots Farming (sustainable farming practices)
• Team Charity (selected annually by restaurant teams - Spring 2026 announcement pending)

What They Don't Fund

As the Trust does not accept applications, there is no published exclusions list. The Trust focuses on registered UK charities aligned with their health and environmental priorities.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (current):

• Thomas Byng - Chair
• Simon Atwell Boston - Trustee
• Magnus Goodlad - Trustee
• Louise Austin - Trustee

No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

The Trust operates on the principle that “a small change can make a huge difference” and maintains a discreet approach, having made a conscious decision not to publicise its work widely, as “doing good is, quite simply, a great thing to do.”

How to Apply to Flat Iron Trust

How to Apply

The Flat Iron Trust does not have a public application process.

Beneficiary charities are selected by the charity's trustees at their discretion. The Trust operates on an invitation-only basis, with trustees proactively identifying charities that align with their strategic priorities in health and environmental protection.

The donation model means that funds are accumulated throughout the year from restaurant guest donations (matched by Flat Iron), and these are then distributed to the selected beneficiary charities.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - trustees select beneficiaries rather than responding to applications.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process.

Application Success Factors

As this charity does not accept applications, the following factors appear to influence trustee selection based on their documented approach:

1. Alignment with NHS Support - The Trust explicitly states their focus on health-related charities that complement and support the vital work of the NHS.

1. Environmental Impact - The Trust supports environmental causes “to help protect the world we live in,” particularly organisations working on sustainable practices.

1. Established Charity Status - All current partners are registered UK charities with established track records and clear missions.

1. Community Impact - For team-selected charities, the criteria specify that the charity needs to operate in the health sector, in an area that significantly impacts communities in the UK and the restaurant teams.

1. Trustee Knowledge and Networks - With trustees including individuals with experience in charitable foundations, selection likely draws on trustee expertise and sector connections.

1. Efficiency and Direct Impact - The Trust emphasises that they do their best to ensure “not a penny goes to waste” and prioritises charities where donations make direct, measurable differences.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process Available - This charity selects beneficiaries through trustee discretion; unsolicited applications are not accepted
• Strategic Focus on Health and Environment - Primary funding goes to health charities supporting NHS work and environmental causes
• Long-Term Partnerships Valued - Current partnerships with organisations like The Felix Project (since 2019) suggest the Trust values sustained relationships
• Small Core Group of Beneficiaries - Trustees deliberately select a limited number of charities rather than spreading funds widely
• Team Involvement in Selection - Annual team charity selection process shows commitment to engaging restaurant staff in charitable decisions
• Discretion and Impact Focus - The Trust maintains a deliberately low profile, focusing on impact rather than publicity
• Relationship-Based Selection - Being known in relevant charitable sectors and having established track records appears important

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Thompson Family Charitable Trust
• The Robert Gavron Charitable Trust
• The Basil Samuel Charitable Trust
• The John Armitage Charitable Trust
• The John Macleod Charitable Trust
• Langdale Trust
• The E C Sosnow Charitable Trust
• The Bay Tree Charitable Trust
• Mcgreevy No 5 Settlement
• The Ofenheim Charitable Trust

References

1. Flat Iron Trust Official Website - Home Page. https://flatirontrust.org
2. Flat Iron Trust Official Website - About Page. https://flatirontrust.org/about/
3. Flat Iron Trust Official Website - Partners Page. https://flatirontrust.org/partners/
4. Charity Commission Register - Flat Iron Trust (Charity Number 1178402). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1178402
5. Charity Commission - Flat Iron Trust Financial Information (Year ending 31 August 2024). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5114992/charity-overview