Chester Bluecoat Charity

The Chester Bluecoat Charity is an historic grant-maker with roots over 800 years old, evolving through mergers since 1837 and rebranded in 2020 from Chester Municipal Charities. Based in a Grade II listed Bluecoat building in Chester, it tackles poverty, disadvantage, and inequality in the city and immediate surroundings by supporting individuals and community organisations. Its mission emphasises inclusivity, community improvement, and sustainable opportunities for those in hardship, delivered via three programmes: grants to charities and groups, almshouse accommodation for low-income residents over 60, and a charity hub offering affordable spaces for non-profits.

Funding prioritises social welfare themes like food poverty, mental health, disability, educational disadvantage, and social isolation, backing food banks, counselling, addiction recovery, bursaries, youth programmes, family support, and events combating loneliness. Beneficiaries include children, young people, families, older adults, disabled individuals, and those in economic hardship, with examples like grants to West Cheshire Foodbank, Chester Zoo education, KidsBank relocation, and Fallen Angels Dance Theatre.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups based strictly in Chester and nearby areas, with projects and beneficiaries demonstrating clear local ties; it prefers small to medium-sized organisations with modest turnover (typically under £1m), accepting unsolicited applications without income caps or religious restrictions.

Grants range from small one-offs under £500 to strategic awards of £2,000–£10,000 (up to £20,000), covering project costs, core needs, and minor capital. Applications via downloadable form emailed with budgets, accounts, and need evidence are reviewed quarterly on a rolling basis, with decisions in up to three months; no fixed deadlines. Distinctively place-based, it blends legacy heritage with modern infrastructure support, excluding non-local or unrelated activities.