Lancaster Foundation

Charity Number: 1066850

Annual Expenditure: £3.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £3,000,000
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Up to £5,000 (standard applications); strategic/multi-year grants by invitation only
  • Geographic Focus: UK national (with exception for Clitheroe community projects); previously international but not currently funding Africa

Contact Details

Website: www.lancasterfoundation.co.uk

Phone: 01200 444404

Address: Turret House, Edisford Road, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 2LN

Registered Charity Number: 1066850

Overview

Founded in 1997 by John and Rosemary Lancaster after the sale of Ultraframe (a conservatory systems company) for £136 million, the Lancaster Foundation has been providing approximately £3 million annually to support Christian activities and community projects. Rosemary Lancaster serves as Executive Director, leading a small team that manages grant-making both nationally and internationally. The Foundation operates from Christian principles, offering medical and practical support to suffering, disadvantaged and marginalized people. Their motto is “Releasing Significant Change” and they emphasize that prayer is central to their work, operating Turret House as a House of Prayer and Retreat Centre. John and Rose Lancaster have been nationally listed as two of Britain's most generous philanthropists. Rosemary published a book in 2018, “Give the Best Away,” documenting their philanthropic journey.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Standard Grants: Up to £5,000 maximum - Applications through online eligibility quiz and application process on a rolling basis
  • Strategic and Multi-Year Grants: By invitation only through development of the Foundation's partners scheme

Priority Areas

  • Christian activities in the UK and internationally (through UK registered charities)
  • Medical and practical support for the suffering, disadvantaged and marginalized
  • Youth and community projects with Christian focus
  • Community-based projects focused in the Clitheroe, Lancashire area (exempt from Christian ethos requirement)

What They Don't Fund

  • Building/capital projects (including renovation, restoration works, boilers, stained glass, etc.)
  • Non-UK registered charities
  • Charities without a Christian ethos/Christian ministry in their charitable objectives (except Clitheroe community projects)
  • Church running costs
  • Activities that have already taken place (retroactive funding)
  • Research projects
  • Festivals, conferences or fundraising events
  • Projects funded by the Foundation within the last three years
  • Projects in Africa (currently not considered)
  • Organizations without filed accounts at the Charity Commission
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Governance and Leadership

Founders and Leadership:

  • John Lancaster: Co-founder, former entrepreneur (sold Ultraframe for £136 million in 1997)
  • Rosemary Lancaster: Co-founder and Executive Director

Trustees:

  • Steven John Lancaster (also trustee of The Grand At Clitheroe Ltd)
  • Dr John Edward Lancaster (also trustee of The Grand At Clitheroe Ltd)

No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity. The Foundation is currently run by a small team who support projects across the globe.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Complete the online eligibility questionnaire (10 screening questions)
  2. If eligible, applicants are given access to submit a full project application
  3. The Foundation will contact applicants if they wish to discuss the application further
  4. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis

Important Note: Eligibility to apply does not guarantee funding.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The Foundation contacts applicants directly if interested in discussing their project further.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Projects that have been funded by the Foundation must wait three years before reapplying. Applications must be for new projects that have not received funding from the Foundation in the last three years.

Application Success Factors

Key Advice from the Funder:

The Foundation explicitly advises applicants to “double check that the work matches grant eligibility criteria” before applying.

Examples of Funded Projects:

  • Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF): The Foundation purchased the original 'Leader' aircraft in 1998, which provided aid to marginalized communities for 15 years. In 2013, they supported the replacement with 'Leader 2', continuing to support NGOs, aid workers, and missionaries in Uganda and South Sudan
  • The 180 Project: Received pilot funding in 2016, enabling them to demonstrate their potential as a volunteer organization bringing transformative change
  • The Message Trust: Supporting youth work in inner city Manchester
  • Community Arts Development: Developing the Victorian cinema in Clitheroe into a multi-purpose theatre and community arts space
  • AIDS Support: Started the first village for destitute AIDS victims in South Africa

Strategic Approach:

  • The Foundation emphasizes that prayer is central to their work
  • They provide ongoing support, guidance, and prayers alongside financial grants
  • Strategic partnerships are developed through an invitation-only partners scheme for multi-year funding
  • Christian ethos is fundamental to their mission (except for Clitheroe-based community projects)

What Makes Projects Stand Out:

  • Clear alignment with Christian values and ministry
  • Focus on supporting marginalized, disadvantaged or suffering populations
  • Youth and community impact
  • Projects demonstrating transformative potential
  • Strong organizational foundation with filed accounts

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Christian Alignment is Critical: Unless you're a community project in Clitheroe, your organization must have a Christian ethos or Christian ministry in your charitable objectives
  • Check the Three-Year Rule: Ensure your organization hasn't been funded by the Lancaster Foundation in the past three years
  • Complete the Eligibility Quiz First: The Foundation uses a screening process, so invest time in answering the 10 eligibility questions accurately
  • Capital Projects are Out: Do not apply for building works, renovations, or equipment like boilers - these are explicitly excluded
  • Africa Projects Currently Paused: The Foundation is not currently considering any further projects in Africa
  • Think Beyond the £5,000 Cap: If your project is strategic and long-term, there may be opportunities for larger grants through their invitation-only partners scheme
  • Emphasize Transformative Impact: Successful projects like the 180 Project and MAF demonstrate how the Foundation values initiatives that create significant, lasting change for marginalized communities

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