Thomas Wall Trust

The Thomas Wall Trust, founded in 1920 by Thomas Wall II, is a UK-wide charitable funder dedicated to advancing educational work and social services that break down employment barriers for disadvantaged adults. Rooted in a century-old ethos of life transformation through education, it prioritizes developing essential employability skills—particularly communication abilities like empathy, listening, emotional intelligence, confidence, and clarity—to build resilience and life chances amid modern labor market challenges. It supports projects for adults (18+) facing multiple deprivations, including women, those with physical, mental or learning disabilities, refugees, and asylum seekers, via grants to charities for accredited vocational training in literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and confidence-building, as well as individual awards up to £1,500 for Level 3 training costs.

Eligible applicants are small- to medium-sized UK-registered charities (income £25,000–£500,000, registered 3+ years) delivering UK-resident-focused programs; no religious restrictions apply. The Trust favors evidence-based, collaborative, match-funded initiatives with proven models and sustainable outcomes, often partnering with local organizations to reduce long-term grant dependency.

Grants typically range up to £5,000 annually (multi-year possible with impact evidence), covering project or pro-rata core costs but excluding capital, political/lobbying, healthcare, or overseas work. Unsolicited applications follow a two-stage process: online Expression of Interest (EOI) by biannual deadlines (next: 22 December 2025 for March 2026 meeting), then full proposals if shortlisted. Reapplications barred for two years; its distinctive focus on accredited, partnership-driven employability skills sets it apart as a targeted ally for impactful adult skills programs.