The Foundation supports a broad range of organisations and activities that share a commitment to making a positive impact to the lives of the communities in which they work, and that are driven by a desire to achieve excellence. They make grants across the UK to organisations in the following categories: Arts; Education; Youth; Health; Community; Museums and Heritage; Environment; Religion and Welfare.

Grants are available to fund initial research which should ideally lead to further research. The limit for a pump priming grant is £10,000. All pump priming applications which meet the criteria set out by the Trust are forwarded to the members of the Scientific Advisory Committee for consideration.

The principal objects of the Trust are: - to provide funds for the advancement of all the schemes which are for the physical wellbeing and improvement in general physical condition of the youth of the City of Edinburgh - for the advancement of knowledge in the science of chemistry as it affects the trade and industry of Great Britain - for making donations for the upkeep, extension and equipment of any charitable institution, hospital or society administered in Scotland whose objective is the restoration of the sick to health - for the advancement of knowledge in medicine and surgery including the granting of bursaries and scholarships, funding research work and the purchase of necessary equipment.

Funding is UK-wide although a preference is given to Scotland. Themes supported are: Services and Sea; Education & Training; Children & Youth; Science, Engineering & Technology; Agriculture & Horticulture; Tarland & Local Area. Lady MacRobert and Douneside category awards remain closed, however they have made available limited awards to help appropriate registered charities that are particularly struggling as a direct and evidential result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Murdoch Trust exists to provide financial relief and support for amateur and professional scientists over the age of 50 in Scotland and England. Examples of grants include, financial assistance with transport, with furniture and home repairs, purchase of computers and equipment, grants towards wellbeing, winter fuel costs and rental arrears.

Priority is given to charities in Scotland, particularly Ayrshire and Glasgow that assist individuals suffering from a range of illnesses both physical and mental, hospices, museums, refuges and facilities for ex military staff.

The Trust funds a wide range of charitable purposes including the advancement of health, the arts, heritage, culture or science, the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage. They also support Christian churches, hospitals and infirmaries, Scottish architecture and history, refugees, scientific or medical research.

The trust has general charitable purposes and supports local, national and international organisations, in particular those concerned with: prevention and relief of human suffering; welfare of sick, distressed or afflicted people; alleviation of need; advancement of education; advancement of religious or missionary work; advancement of medical or scientific research and discovery; preservation of Scottish heritage and the advancement of associated cultural activities.

The trust reviews its policy every two years - currently the major categories supported are: The advancement of the arts, heritage and culture; The provision of recreational facilities, or the organisation of recreational facilities, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the persons for whom the facilities are primarily intended; The relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health and disability.

The Trust provides grants to a range of charitable organisations. They aim to alleviate suffering and help those who are vulnerable in our society. If your application does not receive a reply then it has been unsuccessful.