Funds are given to help disadvantaged young people, especially those at risk of offending, and to address problems faced by offenders, ex-offenders and their families. There is a preference for supporting smaller charities which provide direct services. The next deadline is 13th March.
The Weavers’ Company Benevolent Fund was set up in 1973, succeeding an existing charitable fund. 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. Preference is given to pump-priming new projects, especially those that are innovative and can serve as a model elsewhere.
Funds are primarily granted to support offenders and ex-offenders looking to build skills and capability to get into work. The Company is also keen to help specific groups within the criminal justice sector that are less popular with other funders and will consider applications to support projects working with young people from disadvantaged and socio-economically challenged groups.
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.
Deadlines
Thursday 13th March 2025 (to be considered in June 2025)
Thursday 3rd July 2025 (to be considered in October 2025)
Thursday 13th November 2025 (to be considered in Feb 2026)