Vickers Staff Charitable Fund
About This Funder
The Vickers Staff Charitable Fund (VSCF), established by trust deed in May 1982 and registered as charity number 512770, is an independent grant-maker dedicated to relieving poverty and hardship among current and former employees of Benjamin R Vickers & Sons Ltd in Leeds, along with their dependents. Governed by a single trustee, it embodies a tradition of employer-linked benevolence, prioritizing direct financial support for vulnerable individuals—such as the elderly, disabled, or those facing illness, retirement, bereavement, or emergencies—while retaining flexibility for other charitable purposes aligned with evolving needs. Its ethos emphasizes discretion, dignity, sustainability through prudent reserves, and targeted relief over broad programs, distinguishing it as a staff-focused benevolent fund rather than a generalist grant-maker.
VSCF funds practical assistance like emergency grants, financial aid for living costs, and welfare support, primarily for its defined beneficiary community in Leeds and surrounding areas. It supports individuals directly and occasionally organizations serving these groups, focusing on poverty relief, disability support, and elderly care without thematic programs or capital projects.
Eligibility is highly specific: beneficiaries must connect to the founding company's Leeds staff, with a geographic restriction to Leeds. It prefers small to medium-sized local charities or grassroots groups aiding this community, with no strict income limits but a clear staff-linkage criterion. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—grants are invite-only, awarded at the trustee's ad hoc discretion with no deadlines, forms, or open rounds. Typical grants are modest (individual awards from recent £45,000–£65,000 annual spends), emphasizing immediate relief.
Unlike open funders, VSCF excludes general public charities, unrestricted projects, or non-Leeds activities, standing out for its singular employer tie, operational independence, and exclusive focus on employment-linked welfare in Leeds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vickers Staff Charitable Fund
How much funding does Vickers Staff Charitable Fund provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Vickers Staff Charitable Fund directly for current funding levels.
Is Vickers Staff Charitable Fund accepting applications?
Vickers Staff Charitable Fund is currently invitation only. Check their website for updates.
Where does Vickers Staff Charitable Fund fund charities?
Vickers Staff Charitable Fund funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Vickers Staff Charitable Fund?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Vickers Staff Charitable Fund, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.