Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust
About This Funder
The Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust is a charitable incorporated organisation deeply tied to the Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning, Reading, with roots in the Anglican legacy of Archbishop William Laud, emphasising educational excellence, spiritual development, inclusion, merit, and community service. Established to advance education in the Reading region, its mission centres on providing high-quality day and boarding opportunities through scholarships, bursaries, and maintenance allowances for talented, motivated pupils facing financial barriers, while enhancing school facilities, enrichment programmes (e.g., music, sport, pastoral care), and occasionally supporting St John’s and Kendrick Schools.
It prioritises young people under 25 from Reading, Wokingham, or Bray, funding school fees, academic/vocational training, trade preparation, and even marriage support to foster upward mobility and personal development. Grants target individual pupils, families in hardship, and school infrastructure improvements that directly benefit the community.
Eligibility is highly restrictive: invite-only, with no unsolicited applications accepted; support is limited to those connected to the Reading Blue Coat School catchment or specified areas, excluding external charities or unrelated organisations. There are no public deadlines, open rounds, or income/size requirements—decisions are made ad hoc by a small Trustee board in partnership with school leadership, with typical awards tailored to need amid ~£176,000 annual spend (e.g., bursaries for 41 pupils).
Distinctively, the Trust avoids unrestricted or emergency funding, focusing exclusively on school-integrated, merit-based interventions without religious restrictions, differentiating it through its hyper-local, institutionally embedded philanthropy aligned with historical educational reform.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust
How much funding does Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust directly for current funding levels.
Is Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust accepting applications?
Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust is currently invitation only. Check their website for updates.
Where does Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust fund charities?
Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Reading Blue Coat and Archbishop Laud Charitable Trust, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.