The Michael Guest Charitable Foundation is based in Kettering, Northamptonshire, and supports Registered Charities by making grants for both specific projects and general purposes.
Grants tend to range from £2,000 – £10,000, but larger grants may be made in exceptional circumstances.
To apply for a grant, please send a short application outlining your charitable purposes, your work so far, and the specific project you need funding for (if applicable), to the email or address on the Contact Us page.
Michael always liked to support local causes, therefore, while we accept applications from charities across the UK, Trustees will prioritise supporting charities in the Kettering / Northamptonshire area.
Meet the Trustees
Hannah Shepherd (she / her) – Chair of Trustees
Hannah is committed to ensuring the Foundation carries out the purposes for which it was set up by her Godfather Michael Guest. Hannah oversees the stringent reviewing and approving of appropriate grant applications and meets with charity representatives in Northamptonshire to better connect the Foundation to what’s going on locally. Hannah grew up in Northamptonshire and is a fully qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse. She qualified in 1995 and has worked in busy vet practices ever since. Outside of work you’ll find her hanging out with her family, going to the theatre, de-stressing in a yoga class, or walking with rescue dog Loula. Hannah loves to travel and has spent time abroad volunteering for wildlife protection and conservation.
Charles Marment (he / him)
Charles was one of the Foundation’s first Trustees, having joined alongside Michael himself in 2013. Charles is responsible for managing the Foundation’s stock portfolio to secure funding necessary for grant making.
Lydia Shepherd (she / her)
Lydia joined the Foundation in 2020, and works closely with Hannah to review grant proposals and research charities working in the local areas. Having grown up in Kettering with a passion for supporting local causes, Lydia has a focus on driving solutions to socioeconomic barriers faced by disadvantaged communities across the UK. Now, Lydia works for a nationally recognised charity that tackles social disconnection, maintaining an interest in causes that bring people together across social barriers.
Susie Patten (she / her)
Susie joined the Foundation in 2023, with a family history in the Kettering area.
Kathryn Walshaw (she / her)
Kathryn is the newest trustee to join the foundation. Originally from Peterborough, Kathryn has lived and worked in and around Kettering for over 15 years, after marrying her husband who is Kettering born and bred! Kathryn works for a local accountancy firm as an Associate Tax Director and is passionate about supporting local causes. She has two children who are both passionate about music, which was also one of Michael’s passions.
Michael Guest Charitable Foundation 