Eleemosynary Charity of William Field

The Eleemosynary Charity of William Field is a historic local grantmaking charity in Stotfold, Bedfordshire, founded by William Field to alleviate hardship among residents through direct financial aid and provision of allotment plots for growing fruit and vegetables, fostering self-sufficiency and community well-being. Its enduring mission emphasizes local benefit, inclusion, and stewardship of assets, with a philosophy of compassionate, flexible support for Stotfold people via small grants to individuals in crisis and voluntary groups delivering community welfare, education, and development—maintaining a close-knit, trustee-led approach without paid staff.

It funds relief of poverty and hardship for Stotfold residents, including urgent personal needs and family support, alongside core costs, small projects, and grassroots initiatives by local voluntary organizations that benefit the community. Integral to its work are allotments under tenancy agreements promoting household consumption and self-help, with past grants supporting welfare groups, education efforts, and neighborly aid referred through local networks.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities or community groups based and operating in Stotfold, with a preference for small, grassroots entities of limited turnover; individuals must be local residents facing hardship. No unsolicited applications are accepted—support is referral-based via welfare or community channels—with ad hoc trustee decisions and no fixed deadlines or formal processes.

Typical grants range from £500 to £3,000, rarely exceeding the upper limit, excluding capital projects, large-scale activities, or anything outside Stotfold. Distinctive for its hyper-local exclusivity, blend of traditional allotments with modern grantmaking, and rejection of commercial or non-community uses, it stands out as a legacy-driven responder to emergent local needs.