Keith Coombs Trust

The Keith Coombs Trust is an unincorporated charitable trust established in honor of Keith Coombs, former chairman of S&U plc, to fund exclusively charitable causes with a core mission of enabling disadvantaged children, young people, and disabled individuals—especially those with mental, physical, or emotional needs—to live fulfilled lives and access opportunities. Rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and practical impact, it prioritizes social mobility, independence, and quality of life improvements, primarily through grants to UK-registered charities rather than direct services. While its ethos echoes Coombs' vision centered on Birmingham and the West Midlands, it extends support across the UK (e.g., London, Kidderminster) and select overseas projects in Africa and India.

The trust funds projects, core costs, and restricted initiatives in children and youth support, disability services (e.g., mobility equipment via Whizz-Kidz, skills for learning disabilities via Emily Jordan Foundation), education, and the arts as empowerment tools. It backs proven interventions like hospice care (Marie Curie), respite holidays (Family Holiday Charity), and medical accommodation (Alkionides UK), favoring charities fostering well-being and opportunity for vulnerable groups.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, with preference for small- to medium-sized organizations serving the West Midlands; no strict income limits or geographic base required, though grassroots groups with track records are favored. It does not accept unsolicited applications—grants are awarded at trustee discretion via ad hoc board meetings, with no deadlines or forms. Typical grants range from £500 to £100,000 annually (mostly £1,000–£15,000), distributed to 20–30 charities yearly. Exclusions include individuals, unconstituted groups, large capital projects, and non-charitable activities; its distinctives are a family-influenced board (no paid staff, 99% expenditure to causes) and enduring focus on tangible, inclusive aid for the most disadvantaged.