William Kendall's Charity (Wax Chandlers Company)

William Kendall's Charity, established by the 1558 bequest of William Kendall, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers—one of London's oldest livery companies—exists to relieve need, alleviate hardship, and support general charitable purposes, with a historic focus on Greater London and especially the London Borough of Bexley. Governed by trustees from the Wax Chandlers, it embodies values of stewardship, civic duty, compassion, and local impact, operating independently from the company's trade activities while channeling its philanthropic tradition into targeted aid for vulnerable communities.

The charity prioritizes small grants for projects benefiting Bexley residents, such as respite care, community cohesion, poverty relief, and support for carers, schools, and voluntary groups tackling isolation or deprivation. Funds also address hardship across Greater London through trustee-commissioned initiatives. It backs practical activities like capacity building, equipment upgrades, and direct welfare services that deliver measurable outcomes within 12 months, often partnering with Bexley Voluntary Services Council (BVSC) to amplify grassroots efforts.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or CICs based in or directly serving Bexley, with a preference for small, locally active organizations demonstrating strong governance, safeguarding, and beneficiary engagement; no strict income thresholds apply. Unsolicited applications are accepted only for Bexley's biannual Small Grants Programme via BVSC's online form, requiring documents like governing papers and budgets—deadlines are published twice yearly (e.g., Autumn-Winter 2025 closed September 2025), with decisions in 2-5 weeks.

Grants range from £500 to £5,000, typically £2,000-£4,000. It excludes individuals, profit-making bodies, unrestricted/core costs (unless project-enabling), capital-only projects, and unsolicited Greater London proposals. Distinctive for its livery heritage, Bexley loyalty, BVSC collaboration, and accountability via monitoring reports, it suits well-structured local charities evidencing tangible relief aligned with Kendall's legacy.