London Quaker Service Trust

The London Quaker Service Trust is a faith-based grant-maker dedicated to advancing the work of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) through funding organisations and activities closely aligned with Quaker principles of equality, peace, simplicity, and truth. Rooted in a service-oriented ethos, it channels resources to projects that promote Quaker worship, witness, and community development, with a strong emphasis on benefiting people in social and economic need via educational, recreational, and personal growth opportunities that enhance mental, physical, and spiritual capacities. Trustees employ a distinctive 'meeting for worship for business' discernment process, ensuring grants reflect Quaker values of stewardship and long-term societal betterment.

It prioritises Quaker-led or sympathetic initiatives supporting disadvantaged groups at society's margins, including meeting house improvements, outreach for vulnerable populations, social justice efforts, and programmes fostering inclusive empowerment and spiritual uplift. Funding covers project work, capital costs, core activities, and community development, but avoids general fundraising or income generation.

Eligibility is highly selective: unsolicited applications are not accepted, with grants typically awarded to UK-based Quaker meetings, societies, or closely affiliated small-to-medium charities—prioritising those connected to the London Quaker community, though UK-wide projects aligning with Quaker concerns qualify. No formal income thresholds apply, but grassroots groups are preferred. Contact trustees directly by phone for guidance; decisions occur ad hoc at trustee meetings with no fixed deadlines. Typical grants range from £1,000 to £10,000.

Distinctively Quaker-focused and relationship-driven, the Trust stands out for its principled, non-remunerated trusteeship and rejection of open calls, favouring known entities embodying spiritual and social transformation over broad philanthropy.