The winner of the £50,000 People’s Grant 2026, by public vote is… Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary!

For the first time in its history, the Petplan Charitable Trust (PPCT), a grant-giving body focused on advancing veterinary science and animal welfare, is inviting the public to decide on the recipient of a £50,000 welfare grant.

The ‘PPCT People’s Grant’ marks a new additional avenue for the Trust which has donated over £16.8million in animal welfare and scientific grants since its inception in 1994. Historically, welfare grants have always been awarded based on the recommendations of the Trust’s Welfare Committee, with the final decision resting with the Trustees. This will be an additional way that the Trust can provide the much needed funds to further support animal welfare organisations.

The Trust receives the majority of its funds directly from Petplan customers who opt in to make a small annual donation alongside their insurance premium.

“The PPCT People’s Grant is a new way for Petplan customers and the wider public to connect with the Trust and have a say in how their money is spent,” explains PPCT’s Chair, David Simpson. “It will also give us an insight into the projects they really care about.”

According to Simpson, the generous size of the new grant is to allow animal welfare charities to propose projects that will be truly transformational to them. The intention is that the grant should fully meet the project costs. Applications will be limited to charities with an annual income of less than £7.5 million.

Applications will open on the 23rd of January 2026. The Welfare Committee will consider all proposals and create a shortlist which the public will be invited to vote on until 30 April. The winning charity will be announced in May.

“ADCH warmly welcomes the Petplan Charitable Trust People’s Grant” says Rebecca Cooper, Executive Director at ADCH (Association of Dogs and Cats Homes).  “At a time when many animal charities are facing unprecedented financial pressures, this provides a fantastic opportunity for smaller organisations to bring forward transformational projects that might otherwise not be possible. We welcome anything that supports and helps shine a light on the vital work being done across the animal welfare sector, as well as the valuable opportunity it provides for the public to get involved.”

For more information, contact Cath Bourg at info@petplancharitabletrust.org.uk. Terms & Conditions .

About Petplan Charitable Trust

David Simpson and Patsy Bloom, co-founders of the pet insurance giant, Petplan, set up the Petplan Charitable Trust in 1994. Petplan customers have the option to add a small annual donation to PPCT when they take out or renew their pet insurance. Over the years, PPCT has grown to become not only a significant funder of animal welfare projects but also one of the largest and most respected funders of independent non-invasive clinical studies in the UK.

To find out more about our work, click here.