Weavers' Company Benevolent Fund

The fund's primary aim is to support projects helping offenders and ex-offenders, and those working with disadvantaged young people. Preference is given to new projects considered to be innovative that could serve as a model elsewhere.

How much is available? Grants are usually limited to a maximum of £15,000 per year. To ensure grants of this size have an impact, the fund does not provide money to large organisations. Successful applicants must show that they have investigated other sources of funding and made plans for the future.

What will it pay for? Funding is given to projects that help disadvantaged young people, as well as offenders and ex-offenders, particularly those under 30. In terms of helping disadvantaged young people, the intention is to support projects that ensure young people are given every possible chance to meet their full potential and to participate fully in society. For offenders and ex-offenders, the aim is to fund work that addresses the social and economic problems faced by them and their families, by providing them with support, life skills training and a route back into education, training and employment, so they can reintegrate and make a positive contribution to society. The fund is keen to help smaller organisations that offer direct services.