Southampton Row Trust Limited (caf American Donor Fund)

Charity Number: 1079020

Annual Expenditure: £120.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £120 million (2023/24)
  • Total Distributed Since 1999: Over £1 billion
  • Number of Donor Accounts: 400+
  • Geographic Focus: Global (primarily US and UK charities)
  • Application Process: No public application - donor-advised fund only
  • Charity Number: 1079020
  • Company Number: 3900842

Contact Details

Website: https://www.cafamerica.org/caf-american-donor-fund/ and https://www.cafonline.org/personal-giving/effective-ways-to-give/dual-tax-payer-donations

Email: cadf@cafonline.org

Address: Charities Aid Foundation, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4TA

Parent Organization: CAF America (US 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 43-1634280)

Overview

Southampton Row Trust Limited, operating as the CAF American Donor Fund, was established in 1999 as a pioneering dual-qualified donor-advised fund (DAF) for individuals who pay taxes in both the United States and United Kingdom. As a UK-based charitable company registered with the Charity Commission and wholly owned by CAF America, it serves as a specialized giving vehicle that maximizes transatlantic philanthropy through enhanced tax benefits in both jurisdictions.

The fund achieved a record £120 million in grants payable to charities worldwide in the 2023/24 financial year, bringing its total distributions since inception to over £1 billion. With more than 400 client accounts, it operates as a pass-through mechanism where individual donors contribute funds, receive dual tax relief (including UK Gift Aid which boosts giving by 25%), and then recommend charitable organizations to receive grants. The trust's charitable purposes encompass the advancement of education, relief of poverty, advancement of religion, and other exclusively charitable purposes under English and Welsh law.

Funding Priorities

How the Fund Operates

For Donors: Dual US/UK taxpayers establish accounts through three service levels:

  • Donor Advised Gift: One-off giving without maintaining a fund balance
  • Donor Advised Fund: Build a fund for distribution over time with minimum balance requirements
  • Premier Donor Advised Fund: Includes investment recommendations and successor appointment options

For Charities: The fund distributes grants to charitable organizations worldwide based on individual donor recommendations. Grants can support any charitable purpose recognized under UK law, with no specific sectoral restrictions.

Grant Distribution

  • Geographic Scope: Global reach, with primary focus on US and UK registered charities
  • Grant Amounts: Variable, entirely dependent on individual donor recommendations
  • Funding Areas: Unrestricted - covers all charitable purposes including education, poverty relief, religion, health, arts, environment, social welfare, and international development

What Characterizes Funded Organizations

While the fund itself doesn't select beneficiaries, organizations that receive grants typically:

  • Have undergone CAF America's reputation review (UK charities) or due diligence process (international charities)
  • Maintain legitimate charitable status in their jurisdiction
  • Have established relationships with dual US/UK taxpaying individuals
  • Operate programs aligned with donors' philanthropic interests
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Governance and Leadership

Structure: Southampton Row Trust Ltd operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of CAF America, with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF UK, registered charity 268369) serving as the ultimate controlling entity with power to appoint and remove members.

Trustee Arrangements: No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The organization operates without trading subsidiaries.

Parent Organization Leadership: CAF America provides oversight and manages the charity validation and due diligence processes that enable grant distributions.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Important: This organization does not accept grant applications from charities.

Southampton Row Trust Limited operates exclusively as a donor-advised fund. Charities cannot apply for grants or submit funding proposals. All grant decisions are made by individual donors who maintain accounts with the CAF American Donor Fund.

How Grants Are Awarded

  1. Donor-Initiated: Individual dual US/UK taxpayers establish accounts and contribute funds
  2. Donor Recommendation: Account holders submit donation requests recommending specific charities
  3. Charity Validation: CAF America conducts due diligence on recommended organizations
  4. Grant Distribution: Upon successful validation, funds are granted to the charity

Charity Eligibility Process

UK Domestic Charities: Automatically eligible after CAF America conducts a reputation review to verify charitable status and collect banking details.

International Charities: Must undergo industry-leading due diligence reviews to ensure legitimacy, proper fund usage, and compliance with US and local regulations.

Eligibility Duration: Approved organizations remain eligible for approximately two years. If additional grant recommendations are received after this period, further due diligence is required before disbursement.

Decision Timeline

Timeline depends entirely on individual donor decisions and CAF America's validation process:

  • Donor Decision: No fixed timeframe - donors recommend grants at their discretion
  • Charity Validation: Completed on a rolling basis when organizations are first recommended
  • Grant Processing: Disbursed after successful validation completion

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Not a Traditional Funder: Southampton Row Trust Limited is a donor-advised fund, not a grant-making foundation that accepts applications. Do not include this in standard grant prospect lists.
  • Understand the Mechanism: If your organization receives a grant from CAF American Donor Fund, it means a dual US/UK taxpayer who supports your work has used this vehicle. Cultivate that relationship carefully.
  • Target Dual Taxpayers: If your organization's mission appeals to internationally-minded donors, expatriates, or dual citizens, understanding that CAF American Donor Fund exists as a giving option can inform donor engagement strategies.
  • Record-Breaking Growth: The fund's achievement of £120 million in 2023/24 distributions (its highest ever) indicates growing usage among dual taxpayers - a demographic worth understanding for fundraising strategy.
  • No Eligibility Barriers: Unlike many funders, there are no geographic, sectoral, or organizational size restrictions. Any legitimate charity can receive grants if recommended by a donor.
  • Global Philanthropy Tool: Over £1 billion distributed since 1999 demonstrates this is a significant channel for transatlantic charitable giving.
  • Due Diligence Advantage: If your organization has already been validated by CAF America (perhaps through a previous grant), you remain eligible for approximately two years, making it easier for other CAF American Donor Fund account holders to support you.

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