Bartlett Taylor Charitable Trust

The Bartlett Taylor Charitable Trust, established during the lifetime of Ernest Bartlett Taylor from Witney, Oxfordshire, is a lean, community-driven funder governed by six unpaid trustees. Its core mission centers on alleviating hardship for individuals and supporting local community organizations in West Oxfordshire, emphasizing compassion, local responsiveness, and practical relief to enhance quality of life. Rooted in direct aid rather than education or training, it prioritizes genuine need through responsive grant-making, blending personal support with backing for grassroots welfare initiatives.

It funds relief of personal or community hardship, including health, poverty, and welfare projects for the sick, elderly, disabled, or vulnerable—such as grants to the Huntington's Disease Association and The Respite Association. Support covers essential running costs, project funding, and rare emergency appeals (occasionally national/international), focusing on immediate social and medical needs with proven local impact.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities and community groups based in or delivering services in West Oxfordshire; individuals must reside there. Smaller, grassroots entities are preferred, with no strict income limits but a requirement for professional endorsement, financial evidence (for individuals), and clear demonstrations of need. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via post (no online/email) on a rolling basis, considered at bi-monthly trustee meetings with decisions typically within four months.

Grants range from £500–£5,000 for organizations (up to £10,000 exceptionally) and under £1,000 for individuals, with annual expenditure of £25,000–£35,000. Exclusions include educational costs, scholarships, capital projects, and non-local activities, distinguishing it as a pragmatic, hyper-local responder to acute hardship backed by validated evidence.