Saddlers' Company Charitable Fund

The Saddlers' Company Charitable Fund, established in 1970 by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers—a City livery company with roots tracing to 1395—serves as an agile charitable arm funded by the Company's resources. Its mission advances the craft, trade, and skills of British saddlery while delivering broad philanthropic, educational, and social welfare impact for public benefit. Guided by values of high craftsmanship standards, fellowship, and addressing skills gaps and inequalities, especially post-2016 reviews, it prioritizes targeted support for the least fortunate through a trust-based, strategic approach rather than open calls, blending livery heritage with modern social needs.

The Fund supports small charities and initiatives aiding vulnerable groups, focusing on vocational education and skills training for disadvantaged youth, social welfare for disabled people and at-risk young people, the equestrian sector, saddlery/leathercraft development, Armed and Uniformed Services charities, and City of London community efforts. It funds projects, core costs, capacity building, and capital grants that foster employment pathways, craftsmanship, and life chances, with examples including saddle-making colleges, disability equestrian centers, special needs schools, and veterans' support.

UK-based organizations (with a base required in the UK) are eligible, showing preference for small to medium charities serving excluded groups; no strict income limits or religious restrictions apply, though geographic emphasis includes City/Greater London alongside national equestrian/saddlery priorities. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—interested parties must email an introductory Expression of Interest to tc@saddlersco.co.uk outlining alignment, with Trustees inviting full applications on a rolling basis (allow several months). Typical grants range £2,000–£25,000 (mostly £5,000–£20,000), uniquely differentiating through its niche saddlery-equestrian-social welfare fusion.