Each year, The Guide to New Trusts offers a glimpse into the early days of newly registered grant making charities, often before they have even made their first grants. Every new grant maker is a powerful reminder of humanity’s commitment to supporting communities in need, addressing critical issues and driving meaningful change, even during challenging times.
Some of the new trusts we discovered during our research already have a clear focus and have begun making grants, while others are still in the process of defining their purpose. But whether they are well established or just taking their first steps, one thing they all share is the fresh opportunities they offer for charities seeking funding.
Over the last ten years, we have spotlighted over 1,000 new trusts, but what was the next chapter in their stories? We have revisited another handful of organisations from previous editions of this book to see how their journeys have unfolded.
Mission 44
Founded by British racing driver and Formula One Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton, Mission 44 was inspired by his own experiences of inequality in the education system. The charity, named after Hamilton’s racing car number, was featured in the 12th edition of The Guide to New Trusts in 2023.
Since its inception, Mission 44 has been dedicated to addressing opportunity gaps in education, employment, and wider society for young people from underserved communities. Its mission remains focused on empowering these individuals to succeed, with a particular emphasis on inclusive education, STEM careers and youth empowerment.
To date, Mission 44 has awarded more than £7.7 million in grants, with £3.5 million of that total awarded in its very first year. An important part of the charity’s grant making approach is its Youth Advisory Board, a team of young people using their lived experience to shape and influence the charity’s strategic priorities.
Focus Foundation
Launched in 2021, the foundation is the charitable arm of Focus Group, a UK-based business technology provider. Chris Goodman, the group’s founder, continues to play an active role as a trustee of the foundation.
When it was featured in the 11th edition of The Guide to New Trusts in 2022, we noted that the foundation’s mission was to support UK-based charities and social enterprises in three areas:
- Vulnerable children and young people who are socially or economically disadvantaged.
- Mental health.
- Charitable or community projects near one of Focus Group’s regional offices.
These continue to be the foundation’s key focus areas today.
Since it was featured in the guide, Focus Foundation has awarded over £730,000 in grants to more than 120 charities across the UK. These grants have supported a wide range of causes from funding medical equipment and providing access to counselling services to supporting art clubs and creating essential spaces for communities. The foundation’s patrons include English violinist Andrew Bernardi and actor Anita Dobson.
The Kentown Wizard Foundation
Featured in the 5th edition of The Guide to New Trusts, the Kentown Wizard Foundation was founded in 2015 by businessperson and philanthropist Kenneth Townsley.
Initially, the foundation’s focus was on supporting organisations dedicated to children, young people, and individuals with disabilities. Over the years, the foundation has refined its mission, which now focuses on improving the lives of children and young adults with life-threatening conditions and serious disabilities. According to the foundation’s website, its founder, Kenneth Townsley, has donated or pledged in the region of £100,000,000 to the foundation.
Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over £21 million in grants to a variety of UK organisations. In the 2023/24 financial year alone, the foundation made grants of around £1 million to support vital work. In addition to its work within the UK, the foundation has collaborated with Operation Smile, providing crucial funding for cleft surgeries and training healthcare professionals in Malawi.
Looking back at the trusts featured in previous editions of The Guide to New Trusts, it is inspiring to see how many have grown and gone on to make a real impact. Connecting with these emerging charities at this vital stage presents a unique opportunity to secure funding or form partnerships that can offer long-term benefits. The Guide to New Trusts is an invaluable tool, helping you identify these trusts and take full advantage of the opportunities they offer.
Check out the latest Guide to New Trusts
Published this month, the grant-makers in The Guide to New Trusts 2025/26, all registered in 2024/25, were chosen for their wide geographical area of operation and the breadth of their areas of interest, making them relevant to a large number of charities. This new edition offers a diverse range of opportunities, with grant-making charities established by individuals, families and companies. The list of founders and trustees includes footballers, TV personalities, a motorcycle group and a famous actor. Take a look here. All new trusts in this edition have also been added to Funds Online.