The Astor Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £99,500 (71 grants)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 4-8 weeks post-deadline
• Grant Range: £250 - £1,500 (occasionally higher)
• Geographic Focus: UK charities (working UK/overseas)

Contact Details

Website: www.astorfoundation.co.uk

Email: astor.foundation@gmail.com

Phone: 07957 954507

Registered Address: 230 Merton Road, London SW18 5JQ

Application Address: PO BOX 168, Bideford, EX39 6WB

Overview

The Astor Foundation is a UK registered charity (No. 225708) established in 1962, focusing primarily on medical research “in its widest sense” with preference for assistance with launching and initial stages of new projects and filling shortfalls. Beyond medical research, the Foundation supports children and youth groups, disabled individuals, countryside initiatives, arts, sport, carers groups, and animal welfare. With total income of £135,766 and expenditure of £115,226, the Foundation maintains a steady grant-making programme, awarding 71 grants totalling £99,500. The Foundation takes a broad approach to medical research rather than specialising in particular fields and demonstrates particular interest in supporting start-up and initial project stages.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• Small Grants: £250 - £1,500 (occasionally higher)
• Application via online form with fixed deadlines twice annually
• Review meetings in April and October

Priority Areas

Primary Focus:

• Medical research on broad front (not specialised fields)
• General medical equipment/research equipment
• Start-up and initial stages of new projects
• Filling gaps/shortfalls in project funding

Additional Areas:

• Children and youth groups
• Disabled support
• Countryside initiatives
• Arts and sport
• Carers groups
• Animal welfare
• Education and community cohesion
• Mental and physical health

What They Don't Fund

• Salaries
• Non-UK registered charities
• Highly specialised medical research fields

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Governance and Leadership

Governed by 6 trustees (unpaid), including medical professionals. The Foundation benefits from medical expertise among its trustees, reflecting its primary focus on medical research.

How to Apply to The Astor Foundation

How to Apply

Submit online form at www.astorfoundation.co.uk including:

• Written application
• Accounts (required)
• Annual report if available

Decision Timeline

Application Deadlines:

• 28 February for April meeting
• 31 August for October meeting

Decisions typically within 4-8 weeks after meetings.

Success Rates

• 71 grants awarded
• Average grant: £1,401
• Application numbers not published

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented - contact foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

• Project Stage: Explicitly prefer “launching/initial stages of new projects and filling shortfalls”
• Medical Research: Favour “broad front rather than specialised fields” approach
• Impact Demonstration: Clear benefit to priority areas (youth, disabled, countryside, arts, carers, animals)
• Financial Transparency: Must include accounts and annual reports
• Realistic Budget: Demonstrate meaningful impact with £250-£1,500 funding
• No Salaries: Focus on equipment, project costs, non-salary expenses

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Fixed deadlines only: Plan for February 28 or August 31 submissions - no rolling applications
• Start-up emphasis: Highlight if seeking initial funding or gap-filling support
• Broad medical focus: Avoid ultra-specialised medical research proposals
• Small but strategic: Articulate precise impact of modest funding amount
• Strong financials: Submit comprehensive accounts demonstrating organisational stability
• Consistent programme: 71 grants annually shows predictable, active grant-making
• Online submission required: Use website form for both deadline periods

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Masonic Charitable Foundation
• The Carmela & Ronnie Pignatelli Foundation
• Personal Best Foundation
• The C T Thomas Trust
• The Green Hall Foundation
• The John S Cohen Foundation
• The Colchester And Tendring Community Trust (grassroots Charity)
• The Ralph Levy Charitable Company Limited
• The John Mason Family Trust
• The George A Moore Foundation

References

• UK Charity Commission Register: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=225708&subid=0
• The Astor Foundation website: https://sites.google.com/view/astorfoundation/home
• Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum: https://cornwallvsf.org/supporting/funding/the-astor-foundation/
• Making Music: https://www.makingmusic.org.uk/funding-opportunity/the-astor-foundation
• PAVO: https://www.pavo.org.uk/news/the-astor-foundation/
• SAPCA: https://sapca.org.uk/funding-opportunities/the-astor-foundation/
• Charity Choice: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/the-astor-foundation-158688
• Giving is Great: https://givingisgreat.org/database/charity-factsheet/?regNo=225708

Information