Michael Guest Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Information available on Charity Commission register
• Grant Range: £2,000 - £10,000 (larger grants in exceptional circumstances)
• Geographic Focus: Kettering/Northamptonshire priority; UK-wide considered
• Application Method: Rolling basis via email/post
• Registered Charity Number: 1154653

Contact Details

• Website: www.michaelguestcf.co.uk
• Email: nmaher@wilsonbrowne.co.uk
• Phone: 01536 410014

Overview

The Michael Guest Charitable Foundation was established in 2013 by Michael Guest, a qualified electrician who worked with machinery in shoe factories in and around Kettering, Northamptonshire. The Foundation supports UK registered charities by making grants for both specific projects and general purposes. Michael passed away in 2020, but the Foundation continues under the stewardship of five trustees who carry forward his legacy and wishes.

Hannah Shepherd, Chair of Trustees, actively visits grant recipients to maintain close connections with beneficiary organisations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• Standard Grants: £2,000 - £10,000 for specific projects or general purposes
• Exceptional Grants: Larger grants may be considered in exceptional circumstances
• Application Method: Rolling basis - applications accepted throughout the year via email or post

Priority Areas

• Local causes: Strong priority given to charities operating in Kettering and the wider Northamptonshire area
• UK-wide charities: Applications from across the UK are accepted, though local causes are prioritised
• Both project funding and general purposes: The Foundation supports specific projects as well as general charitable operations

What They Don't Fund

• Organisations that are not UK registered charities
• Non-charitable purposes

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Governance and Leadership

The Foundation is led by five trustees, none of whom receive remuneration:

Hannah Shepherd (Chair)

Chair of Trustees at the Michael Guest Charitable Foundation. Hannah oversees grant application reviews and actively meets with charity representatives in Northamptonshire to connect the Foundation with local needs. She is a qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse with extensive experience working in busy veterinary practices. Outside of work, she volunteers for wildlife protection and conservation.

Charles Marment

One of the Foundation's original trustees, having joined at the charity's inception in 2013. Charles manages the Foundation's investment portfolio to secure funding necessary for grant-making. He also serves as trustee for two other charities.

Lydia Shepherd

Joined the Foundation in 2020 and works closely with Hannah to review grant proposals and research charities. Having grown up in Kettering with a passion for supporting local causes, Lydia focuses on driving solutions to socioeconomic barriers faced by disadvantaged communities across the UK.

Susana Patten

Joined the Foundation in 2023 with family history in the Kettering area.

Kathryn Walshaw

The newest trustee. Kathryn has lived and worked in and around Kettering for over 15 years and works as an Associate Director at Azets, an accountancy firm.

How to Apply to Michael Guest Charitable Foundation

How to Apply

Submit a short written application to the contact details provided. The Foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Your application should include:

1. Your charitable purposes
2. Your work completed to date
3. The specific project requiring funding (if applicable)

Applications can be sent via:

• Email: nmaher@wilsonbrowne.co.uk
• Post: Contact Wilson Browne Solicitors for postal address

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a UK registered charity
• Charities in Kettering/Northamptonshire area are prioritised
• UK-wide charities are considered

Decision Timeline

The Foundation operates on a rolling basis. Specific decision timelines are not published, but applications are reviewed by trustees Hannah Shepherd and Lydia Shepherd who work together to assess proposals and research applicant charities.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's stated priorities and approach:

1. Local connection: Applications from charities operating in Kettering and Northamptonshire receive priority consideration. Michael Guest “always liked to support local causes” and this remains a guiding principle.

1. Clear charitable purpose: Articulate your charitable purposes clearly and explain how your work benefits communities.

1. Track record: Include information about your work so far - the Foundation wants to understand what you have achieved.

1. Specific project detail: If applying for project funding, provide clear details about the specific project requiring support.

1. Registered charity status: You must be a UK registered charity - this is a fundamental eligibility requirement.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Local charities have an advantage: While UK-wide applications are accepted, Kettering and Northamptonshire charities are prioritised - this was explicitly Michael Guest's preference
• Keep applications concise: The Foundation requests “short” applications - focus on key information rather than lengthy narratives
• Cover the three essentials: Charitable purposes, work to date, and specific project needs (if applicable)
• Rolling applications: No fixed deadlines - you can apply at any time throughout the year
• Grant size expectations: Standard grants are £2,000-£10,000; only expect larger amounts in genuinely exceptional circumstances
• Relationship-building: The Chair actively visits grant recipients, suggesting the Foundation values ongoing relationships with beneficiaries
• No government funding: The Foundation operates entirely from its own resources and investment income

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Bay Tree Charitable Trust
• The John S Cohen Foundation
• Edwin Fox Foundation
• Lord Barnby's Foundation
• The Stanley Grundy Foundation Limited
• The Barbara Ward Children's Foundation
• The Patrick Rowland Foundation
• The Batchworth Trust
• The Wogen Anniversary Trust
• Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation

References

• Michael Guest Charitable Foundation Official Website: https://michaelguestcf.co.uk/
• About Us Page: https://michaelguestcf.co.uk/about-us/
• Charity Commission Register - Main Entry: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1154653
• Charity Commission - Financial History: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5041671/financial-history
• Charity Commission - Trustees: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5041671/trustees
• Find That Charity: https://findthatcharity.uk/orgid/GB-CHC-1154653
• Hannah Shepherd LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-shepherd-b8274946/

Last reviewed: April 2026