The R L Charitable Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £55,000-£113,000
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: London, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Southern Africa

Contact Details

• Website: www.rl-charity.co.uk
• Email: contact@rl-charity.co.uk
• Phone: 01242246302
• Address: Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, Compass House, Lypiatt Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2QJ

Overview

The R L Charitable Trust, established in 2016, is a private family foundation led by Sir John Lazar CBE, a prominent software engineer and philanthropist who was knighted in 2025 for services to engineering and technology. With annual expenditure ranging from £55,000 to £113,000, the Trust focuses exclusively on improving conditions and future prospects for disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people under age 25. As a discretionary grant-maker, the Trust operates through trustee identification of beneficiaries rather than open applications, prioritizing organizations in London, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and UK charities working in Southern Africa.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust makes discretionary grants at trustee-determined amounts for organizations supporting young people under 25.

Priority Areas

• Education and training (pre-school through higher education) - primary focus
• Poverty alleviation for young people
• Health requirements and housing support
• Youth development and life skills

What They Don't Fund

• Denominational organizations (preference for non-denominational)
• Organizations with high operational costs (requiring over 20% for internal operations)
• General appeals not focused on young people under 25

Ready to write a winning application for The R L Charitable Trust?

Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.

Join the Launch List

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Sir John Wilfred Lazar CBE (Chair) - Former CEO of Metaswitch Networks, President of Royal Academy of Engineering, Co-founder of Enza Capital
• Mark Joshua Rosenberg Lazar
• Susan Jean Rosenberg Lazar
• Leah Freda Sara Rosenberg Lazar

Sir John Lazar brings extensive experience from the technology sector and African investment, having co-founded Enza Capital which backs technology solutions across Africa.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Trust explicitly states: “The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications for funding, but instead actively seeks appropriate organisations to support, based on the Trust objectives.” Grants are awarded entirely at trustee discretion.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the Trust's approach, organizations may come to their attention through:

• Sir John Lazar's extensive network in technology, education, and African development sectors
• His involvement with the Royal Academy of Engineering and educational initiatives
• Connections through Enza Capital's African technology investment portfolio
• The trustees' local knowledge of organizations in London, Oxfordshire, and Gloucestershire

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - decisions are made at trustee discretion when they identify suitable organizations.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the Trust proactively identifies beneficiaries rather than accepting applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation-only funding model.

Application Success Factors

Organizations the Trust approaches must demonstrate:

• Financial efficiency: Less than 20% of funding spent on internal operations
• Strong financial controls: Well-managed with appropriate audited accounts
• Impact measurement: Clear ability to measure and report on impact against agreed goals
• Regular reporting: Capacity to provide regular updates and feedback on activities
• Direct youth benefit: Clear demonstration that over 80% of funding directly reaches disadvantaged young people
• Non-denominational approach: Preference given to non-religious organizations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Trust does not accept applications - all grants are made through trustee identification
• Focus is specifically on disadvantaged young people under 25, with education as the primary interest
• Strong preference for organizations with minimal overhead costs (under 20%)
• Geographic priorities include local areas (London, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire) and Southern Africa
• The Trust's South African connections through Sir John Lazar may provide pathways for UK charities working in Southern Africa
• Organizations must demonstrate exceptional financial efficiency and impact measurement
• Building relationships within Sir John Lazar's professional networks (technology, engineering, education) may increase visibility

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Essex Youth Trust
• Ewell Parochial Trusts (Relief in Need)
• The VEC Acorn Trust
• THE S AND Y CHARITABLE TRUST
• Chesterhill Charitable Trust Limited
• The Grantham Yorke Trust
• THE ZOOM ZOOM TRUST
• The Payback Time Trust
• The Bassil Shippam and Alsford Trust
• THE JOHN MACLEOD CHARITABLE TRUST

References

• Charity Commission Register Entry for The R L Charitable Trust (1170098)
• The R L Charitable Trust website (www.rl-charity.co.uk)
• Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering trustee profile for Sir John Lazar
• Metaswitch press release on Sir John Lazar's CBE honor, 2016
• Royal Academy of Engineering profile for Sir John Lazar
• Charity Commission financial records 2021-2024