Book Trade Charity

The Book Trade Charity (BTBS), founded in 1837 by and for the UK publishing, bookselling, and book distribution sectors, serves as an essential safety net for current and former colleagues facing hardship. Its enduring mission is to provide compassionate, dignified welfare support—addressing financial, medical, employment, housing, or life crises through grants, retraining, disability aid, medical needs, living costs, and career development opportunities. Distinctively governed by trustees from leading sector organisations, it combines flexible crisis grants with subsidised accommodation at the Foyle Centre in Hertfordshire for older professionals, while extending aid to younger entrants (especially under 30 or from under-represented backgrounds) via interview, relocation, or training costs to foster equal access and an inclusive book ecosystem.

It prioritises needs-led interventions for individuals who have worked in the UK book trade for at least one year, or those seeking entry, including families at risk of homelessness, redundant workers, or newcomers overcoming barriers. UK-registered charities aligned with book trade welfare, professional development, crisis relief, or equal opportunity initiatives may apply, with no strict income thresholds but a preference for smaller, grassroots efforts.

Grants typically range from £250 to £2,000 (higher for exceptional needs), awarded on a rolling basis with rapid decisions—often within days—for urgent cases. Unsolicited applications start via online enquiry form, phone, or email, requiring proof of eligibility (e.g., bank statements, income/expenditure evidence). No deadlines or religious restrictions apply; geographic focus is UK-wide for grants (Hertfordshire for housing). Unlike general funders, it eschews broad causes, uniquely embedding sector expertise, direct housing, and empathetic, Rowntree-inspired assessments to enable stability and recovery exclusively for book trade professionals and families.