The Steel Charitable Trust

The Steel Charitable Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, bearing the charity number 272384. It operates as a nonprofit organisation dedicated to making charitable grants to a broad range of charitable bodies and purposes, primarily focusing on supporting young people and local community development.

History and Purpose

The Trust’s funding strategy underwent a significant update in 2024, leading to a renewed focus from 2025 onwards. The organisation now concentrates its support into two main streams:

• Luton Matters Programme: This stream supports projects within the town of Luton, aligned with Luton Council’s 2040 vision. The initiative emphasizes community development and local impact.
• UK Under-26 Fund: This stream provides funding for charities and not-for-profit organisations working with or on behalf of children and young people under 26 years of age across the UK. The focus is on creating educational and access opportunities for individuals facing economic hardship, social marginalisation, or other disadvantages that affect long-term outcomes[1][5].

Funding and Grants

The Steel Charitable Trust awards project-restricted grants starting from £10,000. Eligible applicants are typically not-for-profit organisations with an annual income of at least £50,000 in the prior financial year. Applications for the UK Under-26 Fund are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, with trustees meeting quarterly to consider submissions.

The Trust’s total income for the financial year ending January 2024 was approximately £1.14 million, derived entirely from investments. Expenditure for the same period was around £1.19 million, primarily allocated towards charitable activities. The Trust reported significant investment gains, reflecting its strong financial position to support ongoing and future grant-making[2].

Governance and Staff

The Trust is managed by a board of five trustees and employs one staff member responsible for its day-to-day operations. Trustees oversee the strategic direction, funding decisions, and compliance with charitable regulations[2].

This profile reflects the Trust's commitment to supporting youth-oriented and local community projects, balancing immediate charitable expenditures with sustainable investment income to maintain its impact over the long term.

[1] https://steelcharitabletrust.org.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/272384 [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/272384/contact-information [4] https://funding.scot/funders/001b000000a31j2AAA/the-steel-charitable-trust [5] https://supportingcommunities.org/funding-news-1/2024/11/27/steel-charitable-trust-reopens-for-2025-with-new-funding-strategy