Douglas Compton James Charitable Trust

The Douglas Compton James Charitable Trust (charity number 1091125) is a UK-based grant-making trust dedicated to supporting both masonic and non-masonic charities and causes across the United Kingdom. Established with a flexible, discretionary ethos rooted in charitable traditions, it lacks a formal mission statement or strategic plan but demonstrates a consistent commitment to diverse societal needs through trustee-led decisions, prioritizing broad charitable purposes over narrow themes. Its distinctive dual focus on masonic-related and general charities sets it apart from purely sector-specific funders, with steady operations overseen by unremunerated trustees and transparent Charity Commission filings.

The Trust funds a wide array of general charitable activities, including health (e.g., support for spina bifida and hydrocephalus via Shine), social welfare, disability services, education, medical research, and community initiatives, without fixed thematic priorities—selections vary annually based on trustee discretion. It backs core costs, projects, and occasionally capital items for established and smaller registered charities serving people and communities UK-wide, from national organizations to local voluntary groups.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities operating anywhere in the UK, with no income thresholds, size restrictions, or religious exclusions, though the Trust does not accept unsolicited applications—grants are awarded proactively via trustee networks. Typical grants range from £1,000 to £10,000 (most £2,000–£5,000), drawn from annual expenditures of £150,000–£250,000 across 20–40 recipients. There are no deadlines, application processes, or formal rounds; trustees meet ad hoc, usually annually or biannually. It excludes direct individual funding, emphasizing organizational charitable work through its flexible, network-driven approach.