Westminster Amalgamated Charity

Westminster Amalgamated Charity, formed in 1961 from seven historic local charities dating back to 1665 (including aid for plague victims), is an independent grant-maker dedicated to relieving poverty and distress among residents of the London Borough of Westminster. Its mission focuses on filling gaps left by statutory services, providing targeted one-off support to vulnerable individuals and organisations overlooked by mainstream welfare, with core values of inclusivity, pragmatism, community cohesion, and non-duplication of state provision—prioritising those who have exhausted other avenues.

It funds essential practical needs for low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and homeless residents in local hostels, such as clothing, household items, small furnishings, and decorating materials. For organisations, grants support social welfare projects addressing poverty, hardship, integration (including English language learning), and direct beneficiary aid, covering project costs, justified core costs, or urgent capital items—but never recurring or ongoing expenses.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or CIOs based in or neighbouring Westminster, delivering direct services to local beneficiaries (national charities ineligible). New applicants must meet with the charity first; applications via online form only, ahead of quarterly trustee meetings (March, June, September, November—2025 deadlines closed). Typical grants range £500–£10,000, at trustees' discretion.

Exclusions include technology, education, holidays (under 60), political activity, and replacing statutory support. Distinctive for its 17th-century roots, strict Westminster focus, discretionary ethos, and emphasis on grassroots providers aiding destitute residents with immediate, unmet needs.