The primary object of the Foundation is medical research in its widest sense, favouring research on a broad front rather than in specialised fields. For guidance, this might include general medical equipment or equipment for use in research, or grants to cover travelling and subsistence expenses for doctors and students studying abroad.
In general, the Foundation gives preference to giving assistance with the launching and initial stages of new projects and filling in gaps/shortfalls.
In addition to its medical connection, historically the Foundation has also supported initiatives for children & youth groups, the disabled, the countryside, the arts, sport, carers groups, community orientated charities and those which serve disadvantaged populations as well as education, advice and counselling initiatives and animal welfare.
The Foundation does not favour the tying-up of large amounts in building projects, however expenditure on bricks and mortar need not be wholly excluded if it should consider this desirable in any particular case. The Foundation does not favour the establishment or endowment of Chairs or Professorships. Grants are generally between £250 and £1500. The Foundation focuses on UK charities and will not make grants to international charities.
Under normal circumstances, grants are made to registered charities and are not available for salaries or ongoing running costs.
The trustees meet twice yearly, usually in April and October. If the appeal arrives too late for one meeting it will automatically be carried over for consideration at the following meeting. An acknowledgement will be sent on receipt of an appeal. No further communication will be entered into unless the Trustees raise any queries regarding the appeal, or unless the appeal is subsequently successful.
Applications received by the 28th February will be considered at the Spring meeting, and those received by 31st August will be considered at the Autumn meeting.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Please submit an application or email astor.foundation@gmail.com including a letter detailing the aim of your organisation and any project specifics, a recent set of accounts and any relevant documentation.
The Astor Foundation is considered to be a 'Financial Institution' by HMRC and as such is bound by legislation relating to the Common Reporting Standard. This means that we are legally obliged to collect certain data from grantees and to disclose it to HMRC who may exchange the data abroad.
We are not required to register under current Data Protection legislation, however your data will be treated confidentially. We will only collect and/or disclose the minimum of information required in order to comply with HMRC's requirements. In the case of UK registered charities, the Charity Registration Number will usually suffice.