Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme 2026 (Up to £60,000 Funding), UK
The Sir Halley Stewart Trust offers funding through its Main Grants Programme to support innovative projects that aim to prevent human suffering. The trust primarily funds projects in the areas of medical, social, and religious initiatives, with education serving as a central theme across all supported projects.
This grant program supports pioneering research and development projects that bring new ideas, methods, or solutions capable of making a long-term positive impact.
Degree Level
For the Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme, there is no specific degree level such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD.
Degree Level
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Not degree-based
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It is a research / project grant, not a scholarship for studying a degree.
Who Typically Applies
Applications are usually submitted by:
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Researchers
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Charitable organizations
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Academic institutions
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Non-profit organizations
The application must be submitted through a UK-based charity or institution, even if the project takes place internationally.
Available Subjects
Priority Funding Areas
The trust supports projects across three major themes:
Social Projects
Funding is provided for initiatives that address underfunded social issues and support innovative solutions to community challenges.
Medical Projects
Medical grants support practical research projects with potential clinical application within five to ten years.
Religious Projects
The trust funds ground-breaking Christian and multi-faith initiatives that inspire dialogue and social transformation.
Projects that combine multiple priority areas are also encouraged.
Benefits
Grant Amount: £5,001 to £60,000 (in rare cases up to £80,000)
Maximum Funding Per Year: £30,000
Project Duration: 1–3 years
Typical Grants Awarded Each Year: 25–30
Total Funding Distributed Annually: Approximately £1 million
The trust typically acts as the sole or major funder, contributing at least 50% of the project’s total funding.
What the Grant Funds
The Main Grants Programme focuses on projects designed to prevent human suffering through innovative research or development work. Funding is often used for:
Salary contributions for project staff
Funding a full research or development project
Innovative initiatives with measurable impact
Projects must include strong plans for evaluation, dissemination, and long-term impact measurement
What the Trust Does Not Fund
The trust generally does not provide funding for:
Conference attendance
Educational or gap-year projects
Capital projects such as buildings
University overhead costs
Personal education fees or course fees
Projects already completed or ongoing
Grants are not awarded directly to individuals and must be managed through eligible charitable organizations.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Applications must come through UK-based charitable organizations
Projects may be implemented in the UK or internationally
Community Interest Companies (CICs) may apply in partnership with a UK charity
Social grant applicants must have an annual income below £3 million
The person submitting the application should be the project lead responsible for delivering the project.
Application Procedure
The application process for the Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme involves three stages:
Complete the Eligibility Test on the Trust’s website
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if you pass the eligibility test
Submit a full application if invited by the Trust
Applications are reviewed by trustees during meetings held three times per year:
June
October
February
Grant Reporting and Monitoring
Organizations receiving funding must provide:
Annual progress reports for multi-year projects
Final report within six months of project completion
Impact evaluation after three years
These reporting requirements help ensure that funded projects achieve measurable and long-term outcomes.
Final Thoughts
The Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme is a valuable funding opportunity for organizations and researchers working on innovative projects aimed at preventing human suffering. With grants of up to £60,000 and the possibility of multi-year funding, the program supports initiatives that create meaningful and lasting social impact.
Organizations seeking funding for pioneering research, social innovation, or faith-based initiatives should consider applying through the trust’s structured application process.
