The Lady Ryder Of Warsaw Memorial Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £138,000 - £148,000 (approx)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3 months (quarterly meetings)
• Grant Range: Not specified
• Geographic Focus: UK and International (especially Poland, Ukraine, Uganda)

Contact Details

• Website: www.lrwmt.org.uk
• Email: info@lrwmt.org.uk
• Phone: 07850 642617
• Application Deadlines: January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st

Overview

Founded in 2000, The Lady Ryder of Warsaw Memorial Trust (Charity Number: 1082295) continues the extraordinary humanitarian legacy of Sue Ryder, one of the 20th century's most remarkable philanthropists. With annual expenditure of approximately £138,000-£148,000, the Trust focuses on relieving suffering and poverty among the elderly, disabled, sick, and dying worldwide. The Trust particularly supports organizations originally founded by Sue Ryder herself, maintaining strong connections with care homes in Poland and recently extending support to Ukrainian refugees. In 2024, marking Sue Ryder's centenary, the Trust launched a major medical scholarship initiative with Bristol and Newcastle Universities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Project Grants: Supporting capital costs for buildings and equipment, project costs, and some overhead costs
• Medical Scholarships: £7,400 per year for 5 years per student (Bristol University)
• International Development: Support for schools and healthcare facilities abroad
• Core Costs: General running costs with time limits applied

Priority Areas

• Care for sick and dying (palliative care)
• Disability support services
• Poverty relief
• Homelessness initiatives
• Refugee assistance
• Social welfare programs
• Religious belief promotion
• Education and training
• Healthcare improvement projects

What They Don't Fund

• Endowments
• General appeals
• Debt repayments
• Emergency funding
• Organizations that received funding in the past two years (typically)

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Governance and Leadership

Chair of Trustees: Robert Frith FCA - Former PriceWaterhouse Coopers accountant who established his own practice in 1990. He states: “My business experience... helps... continue the great work that Lady Ryder started.”

Other Trustees:

• Dr. Christopher Magier (joined 2024): Doctorate from University of Wrocław, extensive medical practice across Europe. He observed “the difference that dedicated people can make to those who suffer”
• Lady Hobhouse: Expertise in palliative medicine, trustee since 2002. Believes Sue Ryder's “legacy must be promoted and protected”
• Michael Cutting: Retired Chartered Accountant, motivated to “maintain her legacy and support wherever possible”
• Katie Taylor: Solicitor specializing in charity law at Macmillan Cancer Support

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using the Trust's official forms:

• Download Funding Guidelines (PDF) from website
• Complete Application Form (PDF)
• Submit by quarterly deadlines: January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, October 1st
• Applications considered at trustee meetings following each deadline

Decision Timeline

• Trustees meet four times annually
• Decisions typically made within 3 months of application deadline
• Applicants notified following trustee meetings

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Organizations that have received funding typically cannot reapply within two years, though exceptional applications may be considered

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's funding patterns and priorities:

• Demonstrate clear benefit to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals
• Show potential for impact beyond local schemes
• Highlight how project could attract additional funding sources
• Align closely with Sue Ryder's original mission of direct humanitarian assistance
• Projects supporting Sue Ryder legacy organizations receive particular consideration
• International projects, especially in Poland and Eastern Europe, align with historical focus
• Educational initiatives that break cycles of disadvantage are well-received

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Trust prioritizes projects with potential to scale beyond local impact
• Strong preference for organizations connected to Sue Ryder's historical work
• International projects, particularly in Poland and Eastern Europe, have strong alignment
• Medical and educational initiatives launched for Sue Ryder's 2024 centenary show evolving priorities
• Two-year restriction on repeat funding means timing applications strategically
• Quarterly deadlines provide multiple annual opportunities
• Focus on “doing what you can for the person in front of you” - direct, practical assistance preferred

References

• Lady Ryder of Warsaw Memorial Trust Official Website (www.lrwmt.org.uk) -
• Project Funding Page (www.lrwmt.org.uk/project-funding/) -
• Who We Are Page (www.lrwmt.org.uk/who-we-are/) -
• News Section (www.lrwmt.org.uk/news/) -
• Charity Commission Register Entry 1082295 (register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk) -
• Medical Scholarships Information (www.lrwmt.org.uk/medical-scholarship) -
• University of Bristol Lady Ryder Scholarships Terms -