Mrs F B Laurence's Charitable Trust

Mrs F B Laurence's Charitable Trust, established in 1976 under a trust deed (charity no. 296548), primarily supports longstanding UK welfare charities like the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, The Seafarers' Charity, Stock Exchange Benevolent Fund, and Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, while exercising trustee discretion to fund a broad array of public benefit causes. Governed by three trustees with professional support from Payne Hicks Beach LLP, it embodies a value-driven, legacy-rooted philanthropy that balances historic commitments to seafarers, life-saving, and armed forces welfare with responsive generalist funding for innovative, hands-on projects delivering measurable impact through strong governance.

The Trust funds diverse themes including health (e.g., Sickle Cell Society, Cavell Nurses' Trust), disability and inclusion (e.g., British Stammering Association, Wetwheels Foundation), education and arts (e.g., Classics for All), poverty relief, overseas aid via UK charities (e.g., SPANA), animals, environment, housing, religious activities, heritage, science, sport, community development, and emergency services. It prioritizes project grants, core costs, and capital needs for registered UK charities of all sizes, especially small to medium organizations tackling practical needs with clear public benefit.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities operating nationwide, with no regional or income restrictions, though it prefers those demonstrating accountability and impact. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via a succinct two-page letter by post (including activities, project details, budget, secured funds, amount requested, and impact plan), accepted rolling but reviewed at biannual trustee meetings (spring/autumn); allow several months for decisions, with no online form or deadlines.

Typical grants range £1,000–£2,000 (up to £4,000 occasionally); it excludes individuals, non-registered bodies, and lacks religious restrictions. Distinctively trustee-led with rigorous due diligence, it blends tradition and inclusivity for effective, UK-wide philanthropy.