Morris Leigh Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £46,750 - £137,353 (5-year range)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales

Contact Details

• Phone: 020 8676 9529
• Address: 43A Trewsbury Road, London, SE26 5DP
• Website: None
• Email: Not available

Overview

The Morris Leigh Foundation is a private charitable trust established in 1980 with an exceptionally broad charitable purpose, allowing grants to “any charity or for any charitable object.” With annual expenditure ranging from £46,750 to £137,353 over the past five years, the foundation operates through the discretion of its two distinguished trustees. The foundation notably increased its grant-making in 2024, distributing £137,353 compared to £76,909 the previous year. As a private trust without a public presence, the foundation maintains a low profile while actively supporting charitable causes across England and Wales.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific named grant programs. All grant-making appears to be at trustees' discretion within the broad charitable purposes.

Priority Areas

The foundation's governing document permits support for “any charity or for any charitable object,” providing maximum flexibility. While specific priorities are not publicly disclosed, trustee backgrounds suggest potential interest in:

• Jewish community and faith-based causes (given Lord Leigh's extensive involvement)
• General charitable causes across all sectors
• Organizations known to the trustees through their extensive charitable networks

What They Don't Fund

No explicit exclusions are documented, though grants are limited to charitable purposes in England and Wales.

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Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by two highly distinguished trustees who serve without remuneration:

Martin Paisner CBE MA LLM - Appointed March 2011. A leading charity law expert and partner at Payne Hicks Beach, Paisner was awarded a CBE in 2004 for charitable services. He brings deep expertise in grant-making foundations and serves as trustee for numerous charities.

Lord Howard Leigh (Baron Leigh of Hurley) - A successful businessman and Conservative Party Senior Treasurer since 2005. Lord Leigh chairs four charities and holds leadership positions including Vice-President of the Jewish Leadership Council and President of the Institute of Jewish Policy Research.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are made at the trustees' discretion, likely to organizations already known to them or through personal introduction and relationships.

Organizations interested in support should:

1. Call 020 8676 9529 to inquire about the foundation's current priorities and whether they consider new approaches
2. If appropriate, send a brief letter of inquiry to 43A Trewsbury Road, London, SE26 5DP
3. Be prepared that the foundation may only support organizations within their existing networks

Getting on Their Radar

Given the trustees' profiles:

• Martin Paisner's extensive involvement in the charity sector means organizations might connect through professional charity law networks or other charitable boards
• Lord Leigh's leadership in Jewish community organizations suggests connections through Jewish charitable networks, Conservative Friends of Israel, Jewish Leadership Council, or Westminster Synagogue may provide introduction opportunities
• Both trustees are active in London's philanthropic community, making sector events and charitable gatherings potential connection points

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available - likely varies based on trustee meeting schedules

Success Rates

No data available on application numbers or success rates

Reapplication Policy

Not documented

Application Success Factors

With no public guidance available, organizations should consider:

• The foundation's broad charitable purpose means almost any legitimate charity could theoretically be eligible
• The small number of trustees (two) suggests personal relationships and trust are likely crucial
• Given Martin Paisner's charity law expertise, applications or approaches should demonstrate strong governance and clear charitable purpose
• The foundation's increased spending in 2024 (nearly doubled) suggests they may be open to new or larger grants
• A professional, concise initial approach respecting the private nature of the foundation is advisable

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private trust requiring relationship-building rather than formal applications
• The broad charitable purpose provides flexibility but no clear strategic direction for applicants
• Initial contact should be by phone to establish whether the foundation would consider your organization
• The trustees' high-profile positions suggest sophisticated decision-making and high standards
• Jewish community organizations may have natural connection points through Lord Leigh
• The 2024 spending increase may indicate expanded grant-making appetite
• Without public guidelines, persistence and professional networking may be key to access

References

• https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=280695&subid=0
• Accessed: 29 December 2024
• Charity overview, financial data, trustees, governing documents

• https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/280695/full-print
• Accessed: 29 December 2024
• Complete charity details including addresses and financial history

• https://www.phb.co.uk/profile/martin-paisner-cbe/
• Trustee professional background

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Leigh,_Baron_Leigh_of_Hurley
• Accessed: 29 December 2024
• Trustee biography and charitable involvement

• https://members.parliament.uk/member/4295/contact
• Trustee parliamentary information