W a Handley Charity Trust

The W A Handley Charity Trust, established in 1964 and based in Newcastle upon Tyne, is a longstanding generalist grant-making trust with a substantial endowment dedicated to enhancing welfare and well-being for disadvantaged, young, elderly, and disabled people across Northern England. Its core mission emphasizes public benefit through flexible, inclusive support for charities and voluntary bodies addressing unmet social needs, guided by conservative values of sustainability, ethical stewardship, and capital preservation to ensure enduring grant-making.

The Trust funds a broad array of initiatives, including welfare services for vulnerable groups, education, training and employment, community benefits, historic buildings, environmental projects, music and arts, maritime causes, and religious sites. Priority beneficiaries encompass children and young people, older adults, those with disabilities, and other nonprofits, with grants supporting service delivery, capital projects, infrastructure improvements, and practical interventions like autism support (e.g., North East Autism Society), youth welfare (e.g., YMCA Newcastle), and church outreach—focusing on quality-of-life enhancements, access to opportunities, and community participation.

Eligible applicants are exclusively UK-registered charities operating in Cumbria, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, or Sunderland, with a preference for small to medium-sized organizations working directly with disadvantaged communities; no strict income thresholds apply. Typical grants range from £1,000 to £10,000 (up to £25,000 exceptionally), covering both revenue and capital costs but not individuals or core funding unrelated to priorities. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via email (davidmilligan@ryecroft-glenton.co.uk) or post on a rolling basis, with quarterly trustee meetings; allow several months for decisions.

Distinctively, the Trust avoids partisan or non-charitable activities, prioritizing regional depth, thematic breadth, and risk-conscious philanthropy from annual investment income, making it a reliable partner for practical, impactful projects in the North East.