Horace Taylor Trust

The Horace Taylor Trust is a charitable foundation based in Driffield, East Yorkshire, established to honor the legacy of local businessman and Methodist lay preacher Horace Taylor. Its core mission is to address hardship and distress among residents of Driffield and surrounding villages through targeted grant-making, funded by rental income from trust-owned properties like Wesley Court apartments and flats on Middle Street North. Guided by values of practical local impact, community welfare, and relief for those in need, the trust prioritizes strengthening civil society via small charities and grassroots initiatives, reflecting the founder's vision of tangible, needs-led support in his home locality.

It funds projects tackling social welfare, health and wellbeing, financial hardship, and community wellbeing, including welfare initiatives, equipment, minor property costs, emergency relief, and core running costs for local benefit. Beneficiaries are typically vulnerable residents served by local groups, with a focus on direct interventions like support services and community programmes that improve living conditions.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups operating exclusively in Driffield and immediate East Yorkshire villages; small, grassroots organizations with modest incomes are preferred, though no strict thresholds apply. Unsolicited applications are welcomed year-round via downloadable form from the website, submitted by email or post with accounts and project details—at least four weeks before quarterly trustee meetings (March, June, September, December). Decisions take 6-10 weeks, with typical grants of £500-£5,000 (average ~£2,000); larger awards are rare.

The trust excludes non-local, national-scale, or large capital projects, maintaining a hyper-local focus that distinguishes it as a steward of community assets dedicated solely to Driffield's most pressing needs.