Henry Smith Charity, The

The Henry Smith Charity is an independent grant making trust. We aim to use our resources to help people and communities at a time of need and to bring about positive change. The Charity was founded in 1628 by Henry Smith, a businessman working in the City of London. Since then, we have honoured the spirit of Henry Smith’s will, working to combat disadvantage and meet the challenges and opportunities facing people in need throughout the UK. Today, The Henry Smith Charity is amongst the largest independent grant makers in the UK, distributing £46.4 million in 2023. Our grant holders are at the core of our mission and work. For us, achieving results depends on their work and, as a grant making trust, we can only be as effective as the organisations that we fund.

Mission

Our resources empower people who are economically or socially excluded and support those in adversity to thrive. We work collaboratively to create lasting impact and advance long-term solutions to challenge economic and social disparities.

Programme Areas

0-5 year olds – early intervention
16-24 year olds – transitions to adulthood
Safer futures – refugee and asylum seekers; victims of domestic abuse; people leaving prison