FB Coales No 4 (Family)Trust

The FB Coales No 4 (Family) Trust is a grantmaking charity established by the late Frank B. Coales, former chairman of Winn & Coales International Ltd, to reinvest in communities linked to the company, especially around West Norwood in Southeast London. Its mission centers on community support, empowerment, and giving back through discretionary grants for charitable purposes, guided by values of inclusion, opportunity, and tangible impact for people of all ages and circumstances. With a flexible, responsive ethos, it prioritizes direct practical benefits, distinguishing itself as an agile, legacy-driven generalist funder focused on trustee-led decisions without rigid frameworks.

The Trust funds a broad array of causes benefiting children, young people, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, vulnerable families, and voluntary bodies. Supported activities include essential items for disadvantaged families, assistive technology and mobility equipment for life-limiting conditions (e.g., Lifelites, Crackerjacks Children’s Trust), educational projects for deaf children (The Elizabeth Foundation), health interventions, social exclusion initiatives (Bede House Association), rare disease support (Batten Disease Family Association), and humanitarian relief (DEC Ukraine Appeal). While open to national needs, it shows pronounced preference for Southeast London and Kent.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities of any size, with no strict income thresholds but a tilt toward smaller grassroots or specialist organizations under £1 million income; geographic focus favors Southeast England but extends across England and Wales. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £10,000 (averaging £2,500–£3,000), with £272,000 awarded to 106 charities last year, covering project funding, core costs, equipment, and emergency aid.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding is invitation-only via trustee networks or known causes—with rolling decisions year-round and no deadlines or formal processes. It avoids exclusions beyond non-charitable purposes, standing out for its adaptability, community roots, and emphasis on high-impact, practical wellbeing enhancements.