The Henry Smith Foundation
The Henry Smith Foundation has a 400-year history of backing work to tackle poverty and creating a more just society.
It was established in 1628 through the legacy of Henry Smith, a London businessman who dedicated his wealth to support people facing hardship.
Today they have evolved to become one of the UK’s largest independent funders, funding organisations supporting people through some of life’s toughest transitions and points of crisis and pushing for systems that work for everyone.
In 2024, they distributed over £61 million in funding, reaching more than 410,000 people across the UK. Their new 2025 – 2030 strategy builds on that legacy, focusing on some of life’s hardest transitions: early childhood; the journey into adulthood, and rebuilding after trauma or displacement.
Their 3 main grants programmes are:
- Getting started - Supporting families to give their young children a strong start.
- Building independence – Helping young people move into adulthood with confidence, skills and hope.
- Safer futures – Supporting people to rebuild their lives after abuse, displacement or prison.
Their grants teams are hosting webinars to provide details on how to apply, eligibility requirements, process and timings. These will also provide a Q&A chat where the Henry Smith team will answer some of the most common questions about the fund.
The funding programmes in more detail and how to register for the webinars are:
Getting Started - Together We Begin
Together We Begin funds in-home, face-to-face support for families with young children. They will fund organisations that strengthen parenting, build parental confidence, and improve early child development; helping families feel connected, supported, and better able to navigate local services and opportunities.
Webinar: Together We Begin
Date: 30th July
Time: 2-3pm
Register at: Together We Begin on 30 July (14:00 to 15:00)
Building Independence - Shout!
Shout! helps young people be heard when the world doesn’t listen. They will support advocacy services helping care-experienced, LGBT+, neurodivergent or learning-disabled young people speak up, make informed choices, and secure their rights.
Webinar: Shout!
Date: 22nd July
Time: 1-2pm
Register at: Shout! on 22 July (13:00 to 14:00)
Safer Futures -Domestic Abuse Fund
The Domestic Abuse Fund backs ‘led by and for’ organisations providing specialist domestic abuse services. They will fund deep, consistent, person-centred services designed around the needs of people from marginalised communities who’ve experienced domestic abuse.
Webinar: Domestic Abuse Fund
Date: 12th August
Date: 1-2pm
Register at: Domestic Abuse Fund on 12 August (13:00 to 14:00)
If you have any queries, please contact:
John Mikucki
KVA's Fundraising Officer
john.mikucki@kva.org.uk