Marjorie Coote Old Peoples Charity Fund

The Marjorie Coote Old Peoples Charity Fund, established in 1958 by Marjorie Wike Coote, supports elderly people of small means born in or resident for at least 20 years in the historic area governed by the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire—broadly South Yorkshire, excluding Doncaster. Administered by trustees with absolute discretion, it channels resources through established charities delivering direct benefits like enhanced welfare, social inclusion, and well-being for disadvantaged older locals. Core values emphasize localism, stewardship, and measurable impact, prioritizing deep, sustained support over broad interventions.

It funds projects such as befriending schemes, day services, community outreach, benefits advice, and practical daily aid, alongside revenue and select core costs tied to elderly services. Recent grantees include Age UK Sheffield, Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care, and Voluntary Action Sheffield, focusing on combating isolation, promoting active ageing, and fostering independence.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, preferably small to medium-sized with £50,000–£1,000,000 annual income and proven local roots serving this beneficiary group; new initiatives may qualify but individuals do not. No geographic base restriction for orgs, but beneficiaries must meet residency criteria.

Typical grants range £2,000–£10,000 (mostly £3,000–£8,000 for one year). Submit detailed applications (org info, needs, outcomes, accounts, local impact) by email or post to Neill Charities on a rolling basis; reviewed annually in autumn (early September cut-off), with decisions in 6–8 weeks. Exclusions: individuals, capital/seed/emergency funding, non-local beneficiaries. Distinctive for its hyper-local elderly focus, trustee-led process, and aversion to nationals without strong Sheffield ties.