Worshipful Company of Basketmakers 2011 Charitable Trust

The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers 2011 Charitable Trust, established in 2011 as an independent grantmaking arm of the historic Livery Company, channels a centuries-old tradition of philanthropy to promote the basketmaking craft and support the City of London community. Governed by unpaid trustees, it allocates roughly half its resources to advancing UK basketry through education, skills training, welfare for craftspeople, bursaries, exhibitions, and competitions, while the remainder funds London-focused social welfare. Its distinctive approach blends craft heritage with modern strategies, fostering sustainability, innovation, and multi-year partnerships for lasting impact, high governance standards, and inclusivity.

It prioritizes basketmaking initiatives like the Walmsley Bursary (£3,500 annually for professional development) and Basketry of the Year Competition (prizes £750–£2,000), alongside welfare for disadvantaged London communities addressing homelessness, rehabilitation, elderly care, and youth programs. Supported activities include project funding, core support, educational outreach, and environmental basketry practices; beneficiaries encompass UK basketmakers (individuals and groups), small-to-medium charities, and select City partners like Cockpit Arts, Spires Centre, and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities based in the UK (London emphasis for welfare), with preference for proven-impact organizations of any income size; individuals in basketry are also supported via open calls. Primarily invite-only for general grants—contact via email for partnerships—reviewed quarterly; open basketry calls have specific deadlines (e.g., 30 April 2025 for Walmsley). Typical grants range £1,000–£10,000, often multi-year (up to three, rarely six). It excludes unsolicited general applications, non-UK projects, and lacks religious restrictions, uniquely differentiating through its niche craft focus amid Livery networks.