Weavers' Company Benevolent Fund
The Weavers’ Company Benevolent Fund was set up in 1973, succeeding an existing charitable fund. We decided that the Fund’s principal aim should be to support people in trouble, particularly young offenders and ex-offenders, as well as other disadvantaged young people.
Objective of fund:
Preference is given to pump-priming new projects, especially those that are innovative and can serve as a model elsewhere.
Projects which fulfil the funding criteria are short-listed, then visited by a member of the Company. These assessment visits give our younger members in particular an opportunity to become closely involved in the charitable work of the Company, which may lead to a mutually beneficial relationship with its beneficiaries.
These assessments inform the Charitable Grants Committee, helping it decide on the grants to be awarded and the amount allocated. The Committee meets three times a year.
Who can apply
We wish to work with organisations that can demonstrate impact with ex-offenders, young offenders or young people at risk of offending, either within a local area or nationally. It is up to you how you persuade us that impact is/will be delivered, but please note that general comments and statistics about the sector are not sufficient to demonstrate impact.
We prefer to fund smaller charities and those instigating bespoke projects.
Applicants must show they have investigated other sources of funding and made plans for future funding.
Size of organisation
Whilst the size of organisation is not relevant when making an application, it may be easier for smaller organisations to demonstrate impact.
Funding levels
1. Our Small Grants Programme has a cap of £5,000.
2. Our Main Grants Programme is uncapped, but you are advised to research typical grant sizes previously made through our Charity Commission Annual Reports.
Organisations we will fund
UK registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs). In exceptional circumstances we may support Community Interest Companies (CICs
Restrictions
Work that is outside our guidelines
Universities or colleges
Physical, mental and developmental disabilities, and medical research or medical conditions, including drug and alcohol addiction
Environmental projects
Work in promotion of religious or political causes
Sponsorship, marketing appeals and fundraising activities
Endowment appeals
Work that has been completed, or will be completed, while the application is being considered
Capital projects to provide compliance with the DDA
Grants to individuals or to causes that will benefit only one person, including student grants or bursaries
Organisations working outside the UK, and overseas expedition or travel
Work that should be covered by statutory funding
Capital costs including building work and renovations
Immigration legal fees or visa applications
Eligible Expenditure
Work that we fund
Pump-priming. We particularly welcome applications where our grant would support a project piloting new approaches and where that grant would form a major element of the funding or where it would be matched by other funders.
Project funding. We prefer to support projects where our grant would be used for an identified purpose.
Associated costs. If you are applying for project funding, you should make sure you have included the cost of any overheads associated with the work, such as office/secretarial support, so that the project is not under-funded. It is in your best interest to ensure that you have realistically assessed the cost of the project.
Core costs. We will consider applications for core funding for new projects, including staff salaries, training and overheads that enable an organisation to develop and maintain expertise.
Innovative or pioneering work. We like to encourage new ideas and to fund projects that could inspire similar work in other areas of the country.
Continuation funding. Once a grant has been made you are welcome to make an additional application after the first anniversary of the grant.
Emergency or deficit funding. In exceptional circumstances, we may provide emergency or deficit funding for an established organisation. Applicants most likely to be granted emergency funding are groups that we know or have previously supported.
How to apply
Small Grants Programme
Download the application form, complete and sign it, then post it to The Weavers’ Company.
Once we have received your application form the process is as follows:
We will contact you should any further information be required.
You may be interviewed by a committee member for additional clarification.
You will be advised within 2 weeks of a closing date if your application has been shortlisted.
If shortlisted, your application will be presented to the Committee for a final decision.
You will be advised in writing of our decision within 2 weeks of the Committee meeting.
Whilst no formal progress report is needed, you will be required to report on the funds spent using our template form.
Main Grants Programme
Download the application form, complete and sign it, then post it to The Weavers’ Company.
Once we have received your application form the process is as follows:
We will contact you should any further information be required.
You may be interviewed by a committee member for additional clarification.
You will be advised within 2 weeks of a closing date if your application has been shortlisted.
If shortlisted, we will arrange an Assessment Visit (in person or online). The Company representative will discuss your project with you in more detail and will develop a report for the Committee.
Following the visit, your application will be presented to the Committee for a final decision.
You will be advised in writing of our decision within 2 weeks of the Committee meeting.
You will be required to provide our templated progress reports for the duration of the grant.
Useful Links
https://www.weavers.org.uk/charity/charitable-grants/
https://www.weavers.org.uk/charity/charitable-grants/guidelines/