Revitalising trusts programme unlocks millions for good causes
Stuart McKay · Posted on: October 10th 2025 · read
The Revitalising Trusts Programme, launched in 2018, continues to deliver significant impact by unlocking funds from underactive or dormant charitable trusts and redirecting them to active causes across the UK.
Run in partnership with community foundation charities - UK Community Foundation (UKCF) in England, Community Foundation in Wales (CFW), and Foundation Scotland (FS) - the programme works with trustees to ensure charitable assets are put to effective use.
Supporting underactive and ineffective charities
The programme identifies charities that are inactive (those not submitting returns or transacting for five years) or ineffective (spending less than 30% of income over five years). Trustees are then supported to revitalise operations by appointing new trustees, updating governing documents, identifying beneficiaries, or - where necessary - transferring remaining assets to community foundations that can distribute them locally.
The Charity Commission reports that over £100 million in funds have been revitalised in England since inception, with a further £10 million distributed in Wales and £5 million in Scotland since 2021.
Why this matters
Many small or historic trusts face difficulties in meeting modern needs - from restrictive objects to insufficient resources or governance challenges. The Revitalising Trusts Programme offers a practical route to unlock dormant capital, reduce administrative burden, and ensure funds continue to deliver public benefit.
Charities struggling with inactivity or ageing governance structures can contact the programme directly for guidance on options to restructure or transfer their assets responsibly.
"With the sector facing increasing demand for funding, the revitalisation of dormant charitable assets remains a vital mechanism to ensure long-term sustainability and maximise impact and could be considered as a potential lifeline for Charitable organisations with gaps in their funding projections."
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