Ruth Smart Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £273,468 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: UK and USA (primarily), with international scope for animal conservation
• Registered Charity Number: 1080021

Contact Details

Address: c/o Hunters Law LLP, 9 New Square, Lincoln's Inn, London WC2A 3QN

Phone: 020 7412 0050

Website: Not available

Email: Not publicly available

The foundation is administered by Hunters Law LLP, a leading London solicitors firm specializing in charity law and charitable trusts, established in 1715.

Overview

The Ruth Smart Foundation is a UK registered charity (established 2000) that operates as a private grant-making trust focusing on animal welfare. With annual grant-making of approximately £273,000, the foundation's policy concentrates on supporting charitable organizations that directly benefit domestic animals in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. However, trustees maintain flexibility and also consider applications from domestic animal, conservation, and wildlife organizations throughout the world. The foundation operates with two trustees and maintains a lean administrative structure with no paid staff or trustee remuneration, ensuring maximum funds are directed to beneficiary organizations. The foundation's expenditure consistently exceeds income, suggesting active grant-making from endowed capital.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Ruth Smart Foundation does not operate distinct named grant programs. Grants are made at the discretion of the trustees based on alignment with the foundation's mission.

Application Method: No public application process is available. The foundation operates through trustee discretion and existing relationships.

Priority Areas

• Domestic Animal Welfare: Organizations providing direct care and support to domestic animals in the UK and USA
• Animal Rescue and Shelter Services: Support for animal rescue centers and homes
• Conservation: Projects focused on wildlife conservation
• International Animal Welfare: Global organizations working with domestic animals, conservation, and wildlife protection

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on the foundation's mission, they likely do not fund:

• Organizations outside the animal welfare/conservation sector
• General appeals from large national charities
• Projects not directly benefiting animals
• Individual applications (only registered charities/organizations)

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Governance and Leadership

The Ruth Smart Foundation is governed by two trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The identity of current trustees is not publicly disclosed in readily available sources.

The foundation operates with administrative support from Hunters Law LLP, one of London's leading charity law specialists based at Lincoln's Inn. Hunters has been providing legal services since 1715 and manages numerous charitable trusts and foundations on behalf of their clients.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The Ruth Smart Foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees, typically through existing relationships and networks within the animal welfare sector. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited applications through a formal application portal or process.

This is a private charitable trust where trustees identify and select beneficiary organizations based on their knowledge of the sector and alignment with the foundation's charitable objectives.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made through trustee discretion rather than scheduled funding rounds.

Success Rates

Not publicly available, as there is no formal application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to the invitation-only nature of the trust.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation operates without a public application process, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, organizations working in the following areas may be more likely to come to the attention of trustees:

• Established Track Record: Organizations with proven impact in domestic animal welfare, particularly in the UK and USA
• Direct Animal Benefit: Projects and services that provide tangible, direct benefits to animals
• Conservation Focus: Wildlife and conservation organizations with clear outcomes
• International Reach: While focused on UK/USA, the trustees maintain interest in international animal welfare work
• Efficient Operations: Given the foundation's own lean structure, organizations demonstrating efficient use of funds may be favored

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Applications: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications - it operates entirely through trustee discretion
• Private Trust Structure: Operating with only two trustees and no staff, decisions are made privately based on trustees' knowledge and networks
• Geographic Focus with Flexibility: Primary focus on UK and USA domestic animal welfare, but open to international conservation projects
• Administered by Charity Law Specialists: Contact through Hunters Law LLP, though unsolicited contact is unlikely to result in funding
• Consistent Grant-Making: With expenditure exceeding income, the foundation actively distributes grants from its endowment
• Sector Networking Important: Given the invitation-only nature, visibility within UK/USA animal welfare networks is crucial
• Broad Animal Welfare Remit: Covers domestic animals, wildlife, and conservation - not limited to a narrow niche

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• UGGLA FAMILY FOUNDATION
• The Dow Clewer Foundation
• The Eranda Rothschild Foundation
• Sylvanus Charitable Trust
• Alliance Family Foundation Limited
• The Sam and Bella Sebba Charitable Foundation
• THE VARDY FOUNDATION
• T. & J. Meyer Family Foundation Limited
• THE SOLE 2 SOUL FOUNDATION
• The Neon Foundation

References

• UK Charity Commission Register, Ruth Smart Foundation (Charity No. 1080021)

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1080021&subid=0

• Charity Choice Directory, Ruth Smart Foundation profile

https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/ruth-smart-foundation-70862

• Hunters Law LLP, Charity Law Services

https://www.hunterslaw.com/expertise/charity/