The Castle Studies Trust is a UK based charity founded in July 2012 with the aim of increasing knowledge of castles in the UK and abroad. The Trust has the aim of advancing public education for public benefit by promoting the study of and research into the history and archaeology of castles and disseminating all useful results of such research.

The Trust provides grants which are able to fund types of work that enhance understanding and knowledge of castles. The focus is on new discrete pieces of research and projects should be for an achievable specific result that will help advance understanding of the studies of castles. Key types of work the Trust funds include:

• Site-based survey work (eg geophysical, architectural, topographical, -LiDAR).
• Scientific tests on objects/materials from a castle site (eg radiocarbon dating).
• Review of historical sources (only as part of a Trust funded project).
• Pieces of work, eg reconstruction drawings, which would help public understanding of a castle site.

The Trust’s focus is on sites not managed by major heritage bodies, however it does consider applications on sites managed by such organisations, especially free to access ones, subject to meeting strict criteria.

The scheme is open to both individuals and groups/organisations around the world.

Project funding of up to £10,000 including VAT can be considered. Only costs specific to the carrying out of the specific task can be included in a grant (eg travelling to and from the site). The first tranche of funding is up to a maximum of 75% of grant awarded, with the rest being paid on delivery of the results of the research to a satisfactory standard. Projects are expected to be completed within 12 months of receipt of the first tranche of funding.

In 2024, the programme funded five projects, including a survey at Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, the continuation of a project at Lowther Castle, Penrith and the exploration of the Newhouse, Lincolnshire castle.