Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme in United Kingdom UK Scholarship 2026

The Sir Halley Stewart Trust offers funding through its Main Grants Programme to support innovative projects that aim to prevent human suffering across the United Kingdom and internationally. This distinguished grant program primarily funds projects in the areas of medical, social, and religious initiatives, with education serving as a central theme across all supported projects and activities. The trust seeks to support pioneering research and development work that brings new ideas, methods, or solutions capable of making a long-term positive impact on communities and individuals.

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Quick Overview

• Funding Organization: Sir Halley Stewart Trust

• Programme Name: Main Grants Programme

• Grant Range: £5,001 to £60,000 (up to £80,000 in exceptional cases)

• Maximum Per Year: £30,000

• Project Duration: 1 to 3 years

• Annual Awards: Approximately 25-30 grants (around £1 million total funding)

• Application Stages: Eligibility Test → Expression of Interest → Full Application

• Trustee Meetings: June, October, February

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About the Grant Programme

The Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme is designed specifically for project-based funding rather than individual scholarships or degree programs, making it unique among funding opportunities. Applications are typically submitted by researchers, charitable organizations, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations that have a clear vision for preventing human suffering. The application must be submitted through a UK-based charity or institution, even if the project takes place internationally, which encourages global collaboration and partnerships.

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Application Procedure

The application process for the Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme involves three distinct stages designed to identify the most promising projects efficiently.

Stage 1: Eligibility Test

• Complete the Eligibility Test on the Trust's official website

• Confirm your project aligns with funding priorities and requirements

Stage 2: Expression of Interest (EOI)

• If you pass the eligibility test, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Outline your project's objectives, methods, and expected impact

Stage 3: Full Application

• Successful EOIs lead to an invitation to submit a full application

• Provide detailed project plans, budgets, and supporting documentation

• Applications are reviewed by trustees during meetings held three times per year: June, October, and February

• Decisions are communicated shortly after trustee meetings

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Funding Benefits

The Main Grants Programme offers substantial financial support for innovative projects.

• Grant Range: £5,001 to £60,000 (rare cases up to £80,000)

• Maximum Per Year: £30,000

• Project Duration: Typically 1 to 3 years

• Annual Awards: Approximately 25-30 grants

• Total Annual Funding: Around £1 million

• Funding Commitment: The trust typically acts as the sole or major funder, contributing at least 50% of the project's total funding

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet specific requirements to be considered for funding through the Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme.

• All applications must come through UK-based charitable organizations (projects may be implemented in the UK or internationally, including Pakistan)

• 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

• Applications must be submitted through a UK-based charity or institution, even for international projects

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Priority Funding Areas

The trust supports projects across three major themes that address fundamental human needs and societal challenges through innovative approaches.

Social Projects

• Initiatives that address underfunded social issues

• Support innovative solutions to community challenges affecting vulnerable populations

Medical Grants

• Practical research projects with potential clinical application within five to ten years

• Focus on treatments and interventions that can improve human health

Religious Projects

• Fund ground-breaking Christian and multi-faith initiatives

• Projects that inspire dialogue and social transformation across different communities

Note: Projects that creatively combine multiple priority areas are also encouraged, allowing for interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems affecting human welfare.

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What the Grant Funds

The Main Grants Programme focuses on projects specifically designed to prevent human suffering through innovative research or development work that addresses unmet needs.

• Salary contributions for project staff

• Full research or development projects from conception through to completion

• Innovative initiatives with measurable impact

• Projects must include strong plans for evaluation, dissemination, and long-term impact measurement

What the Trust Does Not Fund

Understanding the trust's exclusions is essential for applicants to ensure their projects align with funding priorities before investing time in applications.

• Conference attendance

• Educational or gap-year projects

• Capital projects (buildings and infrastructure development)

• University overhead costs

• Personal education fees or course fees

• Projects that are already completed or ongoing

• Grants are not awarded directly to individuals – must be managed through eligible UK-based charitable organizations

Grant Reporting and Monitoring

Organizations receiving funding must comply with reporting requirements that ensure accountability and measure project outcomes effectively.

• Annual progress reports – required for multi-year projects, documenting achievements, challenges, and adjustments

• Final report – must be submitted within six months of project completion

• Impact evaluation – required after three years to understand long-term effects of funding

These reporting requirements help ensure that funded projects achieve measurable and long-term outcomes aligned with the trust's mission.

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Why This Grant Matters for Pakistani Researchers

For Pakistani researchers and organizations looking to collaborate with UK-based institutions, this represents a significant funding opportunity.

• International Collaboration: Encourages partnerships between UK and Pakistani institutions

• Substantial Funding: Grants up to £60,000 for innovative projects

• Multi-Year Support: Projects can span 1-3 years

• Impact Focus: Supports work that prevents human suffering

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Encourages creative combinations of priority areas

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Tips for a Strong Application

• Start with Eligibility Test: Confirm your project aligns with trust priorities before investing time

• Secure UK Partner: Applications must come through UK-based charitable organizations

• Demonstrate Innovation: Highlight new ideas, methods, or solutions

• Show Measurable Impact: Include strong plans for evaluation and dissemination

• Meet Income Criteria: Social grant applicants must have annual income below £3 million

• Plan for Reporting: Budget time and resources for annual and final reports

• Apply Early: Trustee meetings occur three times per year (June, October, February)

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 through creative solutions. 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 across borders.

The application process involves three stages: Eligibility Test, Expression of Interest, and Full Application. All applications must be submitted through UK-based charitable organizations, though projects may be implemented internationally, including in Pakistan. Priority areas include social projects, medical research, and religious initiatives, with education as a central theme across all supported work.

Organizations seeking funding for pioneering research, social innovation, or faith-based initiatives should consider applying through the trust's structured application process. With approximately 25-30 grants awarded annually totaling around £1 million, this program offers substantial support for projects that demonstrate innovation and measurable impact.

For Pakistani researchers and institutions interested in UK collaborations, this grant programme opens doors for meaningful partnerships addressing pressing global challenges.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to begin your application, visit the official Sir Halley Stewart Trust website:

Apply for Sir Halley Stewart Trust Main Grants Programme 2026 UK