The Weavers’ Company Benevolent Fund was set up in 1973, succeeding an existing charitable fund. They offer grants averaging £15,000 to smaller UK charities that support people in trouble, particularly ex-offenders and young people involved in the Criminal Justice System. Preference is given to pump-priming new projects, especially those that are innovative and can serve as a model elsewhere. Priority is also given to smaller organisations which offer bespoke and direct services. Local organisations such as those working in a village, estate or small town should normally have an income of less than £100,000. Those working across the UK should have an income of not more than £250,000.
Projects which fulfil the funding criteria are short-listed, then visited by a member of the Company. These assessments inform the Charitable Grants Committee, helping it decide on the grants to be awarded and the amount allocated. The Committee meets three times a year.
The Company’s Priorities:
Supporting offenders into work
Many offenders and ex-offenders suffer from a variety of difficult, complex problems and are amongst the most vulnerable members of society. Whilst they fund a variety of work that addresses the social and economic problems faced by this group, their current priority is to support those looking to build skills and capability to get into sustainable work.
Helping specific groups within the criminal justice sector
They recognise that certain sectors within the criminal justice sector are less popular with funders than others. They are committed to supporting charities working with such groups.
Supporting young people
They are keen to support projects that work specifically with young people involved with the Criminal Justice System to ensure they are given every possible chance to realise their full potential and to participate fully in society, rather than general youth development projects. They normally define young people as being aged16-25 years.
The 2026 application deadlines are at midday (12 noon) on
- 12 March
- 2 July
- 12 November