Michael Barnard Charitable Trust

The Michael Barnard Charitable Trust, a UK-based charity established in 2014 by founder Michael Barnard using his life savings, is dedicated to relieving poverty, suffering, and injustice among vulnerable communities. Its mission centers on fast, compassionate interventions for those facing economic hardship, social distress, natural disasters, crime, or violence, with a strong evolution toward supporting children and young people's mental health in education amid gaps in statutory services. Guided by values of dignity, wellbeing, resilience, and direct impact, the trust emphasizes responsive, needs-led aid through partnerships, particularly in Essex state secondary schools like Mayflower High School and Castle View School, reflecting the founder's hands-on ethos and transparent governance.

It prioritizes mental health and wellbeing programs for pupils and staff, including specialist mentoring, counseling, advocacy, and safe spaces; practical aid for homelessness; support for women and children escaping domestic violence; and assistance for children with special needs in performing arts. Beneficiaries include at-risk youth in education, impoverished families, disabled individuals, and those in acute distress, with funding channeled via direct payments for goods, services, and bespoke interventions to foster confidence, emotional wellbeing, and improved life chances.

Eligible entities are primarily academic institutions like state secondary schools and community groups, with a preference for small to medium frontline organizations addressing local Essex needs (UK-wide remit but regionally focused); no income thresholds apply, but unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding arises from trustee-identified partners via direct engagement. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £10,000 (up to £15,000 rarely), awarded on a rolling basis without deadlines or forms. It excludes core costs, unrestricted support, speculative proposals, and large national entities, distinguishing itself through urgent, tailored practical aid where public services fall short.