George and Thomas Henry Salter Trust

The George and Thomas Henry Salter Trust, established in 1918 by West Bromwich industrialists George and Thomas Henry Salter, is a longstanding charitable fund dedicated to relieving poverty and advancing education for residents of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough in the West Midlands. Rooted in localism and practical support, the Trust embodies a century-old ethos of enabling access to opportunities for those in hardship, prioritizing tangible life enhancements for individuals and communities through non-bureaucratic grants that foster holistic development, especially for young people.

It funds relief of financial need via essential items like white goods and furniture; educational advancement for students (e.g., university fees, equipment, instruments, apprenticeships) and schools (e.g., forest schools, sensory rooms, phonics projects); and youth/recreational activities for groups like Scouts, sports clubs, and drama societies, covering equipment, camps, and transport. Beneficiaries include Sandwell residents facing hardship—children, youth, disabled individuals, and elderly—with no ethnic or religious restrictions.

Eligible applicants encompass UK-registered charities, community groups, academic institutions, and individuals (minimum 3 years Sandwell residency; relief via local agencies). Organizations must primarily serve Sandwell residents, with one grant per 12 months; small grassroots entities and schools are favored, sans strict income limits. Applications use website forms submitted by email/post at least 10 days before adhoc trustee meetings (5-6/year; next: June 2025 onward), with no preliminary enquiries needed.

Typical grants range £350–£1,000 (e.g., £350 for primary schools/individuals, up to £700–£1,000 for specials). Exclusions cover salaries, core costs, food, room hire, tutors, and subscriptions. Distinctively, its hyper-local Sandwell focus, direct individual aid, and responsive, impact-driven model set it apart for practical interventions broadening life experiences.