Supporting a better future for people with visible difference

Welcome to the VTCT Foundation

We are an independent charitable foundation working to improve the lives of those living with a visible difference. This means people who might have a scar, mark, or condition on their face or body that makes them look different. This can be something they are born with (congenital) or something that occurs or develops during their life.

We have funded a wide range of basic science, clinical research and service provision. We also host and support a network of individuals and organisations in the field called The Appearance Collective, with the aim of fostering better collaboration, reducing duplication and increasing impact.

The VTCT Foundation is now closed to further applications.

The VTCT Foundation was established in 2014 following a one-off gift from VTCT, a specialist awarding and assessment organisation offering vocational and technical qualifications in a range of service sectors.

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What We Fund

Appearance Collective

What’s Happening

BlogInclusive forums to support the circle of care
28 January 2026

Inclusive forums to support the circle of care

Speaking at the VTCT Foundation 2025 July Showcase event, BLESMA’s Operations Director, Tony Bloomfield and the ED Society’s Founder and CEO, Diana Perry, shared their experiences of establishing support circles…
Andy
BlogHow pooling resources could support professionals: Insights into developing information hubs
28 January 2026

How pooling resources could support professionals: Insights into developing information hubs

Interviews with Professor Di Harcourt (CAR) and Luke Langlands (Tuberous Sclerosis Association) at the VTCT Foundation July Showcase. During its Legacy Programme research, the VTCT Foundation identified centralised hubs of…
Andy
Latest NewsSpring Newsletter 2025
13 January 2026

Spring Newsletter 2025

Communications Workshop On 28th January the VTCT Foundation hosted a workshop in partnership with Changing Faces on communications and campaigns – highlighting the various ways that communications enable charities to…
Andy

As stated in our governing document our charitable objects are for the public benefit and are specifically restricted to the following:.

  1. The advancement of education, research and the public dissemination of knowledge in:
    a) the art and technology of health and beauty therapy;
    b) the skills and knowledge required for other vocational employments including those in the well-being, public and service industries;
    c) the impact and treatment of physical disfigurement and all kindred arts and sciences.
  2. The relief of sickness or poor health caused by physical disfigurement and the assistance of those with physical disfigurements, and their families and carers, to overcome any social, physical, psychological, emotional or other disadvantage.