The Archer Trust is a UK charitable trust focused on providing grants to small charities where a small amount will make a big difference. We favour organisations working in areas of high unemployment and deprivation, and those which make good use of volunteers. We support projects both in the UK and overseas, but for overseas projects only via UK charities which can ensure that funds are being well used.

The Archer Trust was set up in 1994 in memory of Ronnie Archer, who rose through the ranks of Unilever to become Vice-Chairman. Throughout his life he and his wife Catherine applied their surplus earnings for the support of good causes. After Ronnie's death, Catherine set up the Archer Trust to continue their work.

As well as being a trustee, Catherine acted as the Trust's secretary and, from the company's generous widow's pension, made further gifts every year from the date of its foundation. She was a pillar of her local church and community, passionate about education and the disadvantaged, a loving mother who was keen to keep her wider family in touch with each other, and in times past a fine magistrate and an enthusiastic horsewoman. Her service to the Trust involved, among other things, consideration of all applications, correspondence with many of the applicants and visiting a number of the charities chosen for support. Her sudden death in November 2021, at the age of 87 but at a time when, though frail, she was living a full social life, was unexpected, and a blow to the Trust. Generous provision in her will, however, demonstrates her wish that it should continue its work unabated, which it will.

Our grants support charities that are working to make a real difference in the lives of people who are disadvantaged or marginalised to enable them to live a life of dignity and opportunity, regardless of their background or circumstances.

We are committed to being a responsible and transparent grant-maker. We have a rigorous application process in place to ensure that our grants are awarded to charities that are well-managed and effective. We also monitor our grants carefully to ensure that they are being used for the intended purpose.

If you are a small charity that is working to make a difference in the lives of people who are disadvantaged or marginalised, we encourage you to apply for a grant from the Archer Trust. We look forward to hearing from you.