The Pears Family Charitable Foundation

Charity Number: 1009195

Annual Expenditure: £17.5M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £15-20 million
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only foundation)
  • Decision Time: Varies (invitation-only process)
  • Grant Range: £500 - £9.7 million (based on documented grants)
  • Geographic Focus: UK and international

Contact Details

  • Website: www.pearsfoundation.org.uk
  • Email: contact@pearsfoundation.org.uk
  • Phone: 020 7433 3333
  • Address: The Pears Hub available for grantee meetings and co-working

Overview

Established in 1992 by Sir Trevor Pears CMG and his brothers Mark and David, The Pears Family Charitable Foundation has donated over £500 million to charity since its inception. The Foundation invests £15-20 million annually across a wide range of UK and international causes. Their mission focuses on promoting understanding of key issues through research and educational programmes, driving social progress particularly among young people, and supporting wellbeing for everyone. The Foundation takes a distinctive invitation-only approach, identifying partners through their networks, research, and expertise rather than accepting unsolicited applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Main Foundation Grants: Invitation-only, ranging from £20,000 to £9.7 million+ (varies significantly based on partnership)
  • Partnership Funds:
  • Pears Youth Fund: £500 - £7,500 (via Leeds Community Foundation)
  • UK Youth Fund: £5 million total fund (in partnership with UK Youth)

Priority Areas

  • Health and medical research
  • Education and youth development
  • Poverty alleviation and social action
  • Civic engagement and citizenship
  • Understanding between different backgrounds and faiths
  • Organisations focused on wellbeing for everyone

What They Don't Fund

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited funding proposals and requests due to their invitation-only model.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees: Sir Trevor Pears CMG (Executive Chairman), Mark Pears, and David Pears

Sir Trevor Pears articulates their philosophy: "You've got to decide you want to get more involved - that you're going to make a commitment of time as well as money; a commitment to going on a journey with a project or charity. Once you do that, the learning comes."

The Foundation's vision is “to be a transformative force, working for social justice through effective philanthropy, empowering a global community of organisations and individuals.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Main Foundation: Invitation-only. They draw on experience, networks, landscape reviews and research to identify partners. No unsolicited applications accepted.

Partnership Funds: Open applications through partner organisations (Leeds Community Foundation, UK Youth)

Decision Timeline

Varies by program. Partnership funds typically announce decisions within 6-8 weeks of application deadlines.

Success Rates

Not applicable for main foundation due to invitation-only model. Partnership fund success rates not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

N/A for main foundation. Partnership fund policies vary by specific program.

Application Success Factors

For getting noticed (given invitation-only model):

  • Build strategic networks within their existing grantee community
  • Partner with current grantees on collaborative projects
  • Demonstrate long-term commitment and impact in priority areas
  • Publicize work through industry events and sector networks
  • Seek recommendations from board members, sector experts, or existing partners

What they value in partners:

  • Honest, transparent communication about challenges
  • Willingness to accept risk and learn from setbacks
  • Long-term commitment to their mission
  • Efficient use of unrestricted funding
  • Openness to building deep, evolving partnerships

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Relationship-first approach: 70% of grantees receive funding for 5+ years, 40% for 10+ years
  • Trust-based funding: Prefer unrestricted grants and core funding over project-specific grants
  • Network strategically: Success depends on getting on their radar through existing connections
  • Think partnership: Consider collaborating with current grantees to gain access
  • Long-term vision: They invest in organizations they can journey with over many years
  • Transparency valued: Frank dialogue about challenges and risks is encouraged
  • Beyond money: They offer professional development, workspace, and organizational support

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