Yorkshire Miners' Welfare Trust Fund Scheme

The Yorkshire Miners' Welfare Trust Fund Scheme, established in June 1985, is a specialist charity dedicated to supporting mining and former mining communities in Yorkshire, closely aligned with the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO). Its core mission is to mitigate the disadvantages from the coal industry's decline through sustainable schemes that promote social inclusion, health and well-being, resilience, and opportunity. Rooted in mining sector solidarity, it emphasises lasting community benefits via targeted interventions for former mineworkers, their families, dependents, and affected locales, distinguishing itself through its exclusive historic focus on Yorkshire coalfields and blend of direct aid with infrastructure preservation.

It funds health and social welfare projects, anti-isolation initiatives, accessible recreation, higher education grants, financial hardship relief (e.g., energy or illness costs), and capital support for community centres, day services like those at Thornycroft in Pontefract, and miners' welfare facilities. Beneficiaries include individuals in need and local charities delivering mining-legacy services, prioritising small-to-medium grassroots groups enhancing cohesion and vulnerability support.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups based strictly in Yorkshire's historical coalfield areas, with a preference for locally rooted organisations serving mining-impacted populations; no strict income thresholds apply, but invite-only access via established networks is required—no unsolicited applications.

Grants typically range from £1,000–£15,000 for projects (mostly £2,000–£10,000), with smaller individual awards under £1,000. Start with a phone enquiry to the Trust Secretary; decisions occur at adhoc trustee meetings without fixed deadlines. It excludes non-Yorkshire activities, generalist or unrestricted funding, and lacks open processes, uniquely sustaining mining heritage welfare amid broader funder landscapes.