Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust

The Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust, established in 1945 by Edward Cadbury—grandson of the Cadbury chocolate founder—embodies Quaker values of simplicity, equality, justice, peace, and environmental care to foster positive change in civil society. Rooted in social responsibility and community empowerment, it prioritises the voluntary sector in England's Midlands counties: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire, supporting organisations that deliver measurable public benefit through grassroots initiatives.

The Trust funds seven key programme areas—arts and culture, community projects and integration, compassionate support, conservation and environment, education and training, and research—targeting disadvantaged, marginalised, and vulnerable groups. It backs inclusive arts, intergenerational/intercultural efforts, environmental stewardship, lifelong learning, interfaith relations, community cohesion, and practical aid for hardship, such as capacity-building for local charities, homeless support, heritage preservation, and conservation projects, favouring community-embedded delivery over broad national efforts.

Eligible applicants are solely UK-registered charities with strong local ties and a delivery track record; no individuals, non-registered groups, or organisations outside the specified counties qualify, with preference for small- to medium-sized entities focused on public benefit. Applications via online form, email, or post are accepted on a rolling basis year-round, requiring project descriptions, outcomes, budgets, and recent accounts; decisions typically come within three months.

Typical one-off grants range from £3,000 to £20,000 (averaging £10,000), restricted to defined projects rather than core or unrestricted funding, with rare larger awards for exceptional merit. Distinctive for its Quaker-guided ethos, conscientious due diligence, and balance of historical mission with contemporary challenges, the Trust stands out by seeking projects advancing equality, peace-building, and sustainability in Midlands communities.