Sir Joseph Williamson's Charitable Trust

Sir Joseph Williamson's Charitable Trust, originating from a 1701 bequest by Sir Joseph Williamson to establish a grammar school in Rochester, advances education and amateur sport for children and young people in Medway, Kent. Governed by a scheme from 1910 (last amended 2012), it embodies values of learning, opportunity, and community advancement, prioritizing financial access for disadvantaged youth to foster social mobility. With a legacy tied to Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School, the Trust sustains its mission through endowment income, guided by local leaders who proactively partner with schools to identify needs rather than accepting open applications.

It funds bursaries for school fees, educational resources, training costs, and participation in amateur sports activities, targeting children and young people in financial hardship. Support goes to individuals via direct grants or to Medway educational institutions for projects widening access, such as those benefiting the linked Mathematical School and local programs, emphasizing targeted hardship relief over general enrichment.

Eligible applicants are strictly Medway-based academic institutions or nominated youth beneficiaries; no income thresholds apply, but activity must serve local children/young people. Typical grants range from £500 to £15,000, with annual expenditure around £350,000. No unsolicited applications, public deadlines, or forms—funding arises from trustee referrals via partner schools in adhoc meetings. Distinctively local and legacy-driven, it excludes core costs, capacity building, non-Medway efforts, or non-youth priorities, setting it apart as a niche enabler for Medway schools addressing educational barriers.