Harborne and Smethwick Charitable Trust

Harborne and Smethwick Charitable Trust, established in 2018 to modernise the 400-year-old Harborne Parish Lands Charity, serves as both a grantmaker and housing provider dedicated to relieving hardship and fostering independence for residents in Harborne, Smethwick, parts of Bearwood, and Quinton. Rooted in traditions of benevolence, equity, and community stewardship, its mission emphasises dignity, inclusion, and race equality, delivering safe sheltered accommodation for those aged 60+ alongside targeted financial support. With accountable governance via specialised committees for almshouses, grants, and finances, the trust balances immediate needs with long-term public benefit.

It funds initiatives tackling poverty relief, social isolation, essential living costs, mental health, debt awareness, accessible housing, and community activities that enhance well-being, independence, and participation—prioritising older people, disabled individuals, children, young people, and vulnerable groups facing economic hardship. Grants support core costs, projects, emergency aid, assistive technology, and local organisations delivering practical impact, without a fixed theme list but guided by assessed local needs.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups with direct ties to the specified areas, favouring small to medium grassroots entities (no strict income limits). Typical organisational grants range from £1,000 to £10,000; individual awards cap at £700. Unsolicited applications require emailing the Grants Officer for the specific form and audited accounts, followed by a meeting and quarterly trustee review. Deadlines occur twice yearly, with the next on Friday 7th March 2025 (outcomes in 10-12 weeks). Distinctively, its exclusive hyper-local focus, historic endowment stewardship, and dual housing-grants model set it apart, excluding non-local or unrelated activities while promoting sustainable self-sufficiency.