Worshipful Company of Cutlers General Charitable Fund

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers General Charitable Fund is the philanthropic arm of one of London’s oldest livery companies, granted a Royal Charter in 1416 to promote craftsmanship, civic duty, and charitable support. Its mission delivers public benefit through poverty relief, advancement of education—especially in crafts and trades—advancement of religion, and practical aid like equipping hospices with cutlery. Rooted in heritage, education, and social cohesion, it prioritises targeted interventions for lasting community improvement in deprived inner London areas, favouring children, young people, and marginalised groups facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges.

It funds small grants for direct service delivery, educational partnerships, inclusion initiatives, and capacity-building, including core costs when tied to impact and occasional capital items like cutlery. Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups operating in London, particularly inner boroughs, with a preference for small to medium-sized, grassroots organisations serving local needs; no strict income limits apply, but national or large-scale entities are rarely supported.

Grants typically range from £1,000 to £3,000 per annum, up to three years and £9,000 total, with around £150,000 distributed yearly across heritage, education, and social cohesion. Applications are unsolicited, accepted on a rolling basis via email or post to the Clerk—no fixed deadlines or online forms—with decisions within three months. It excludes non-London projects, broad national causes, and unrestricted funding, standing out for its livery traditions, practical needs-led approach, and focus on quietly impactful urban deprivation relief.