Maurice and Hilda Laing Charitable Trust
Overview
Overview
The Maurice & Hilda Laing Charitable Trust was established in 1996. Its objectives are:
- the advancement of the Christian faith in any part of the world
- the advancement of religious education in accordance with the principles and doctrines of the Christian faith
- the relief of poverty throughout the world
- protection and preservation of health and relief of sickness and mental and physical disabilities
Eligibility
The Trusts Laing Family Trusts only make grants to charities registered in the UK or to churches with exempt status.
Priority themes
The Trustees' priority areas of giving are:
- To advance Christian faith and values, with an emphasis on:
- making the Christian message relevant to all through innovative ‘fresh expressions’ of church
- projects which develop and affirm Christian faith
- resourcing theological training for ordained and lay ministry and pastoral support for those in ministry
- providing support for oppressed Christian communities overseas
- To support organisations, primarily those inspired by Christian faith, offering practical support to those in the U.K. who are disadvantaged, vulnerable and / or socially isolated, with a particular focus on helping:
- families and young people at risk
- prisoners and ex-offenders, particularly women in the justice system
- the homeless
- refugees
- Relief of poverty overseas, primarily through Christian organisations working in the low income countries of Sub-Saharan Africa. They focus on projects which seek to improve educational opportunities and build sustainable livelihoods for:
- street children and young people at risk
- those with disabilities
In all areas the Trustees are looking to support inspirational leaders backed by charities with strong management and projects which are sustainable and replicable.
Funding Level & Notes
The level of funding available varies. Grants typically range between £5,000 and £25,000, although the Trustees have the capacity to make a small number of larger grants each year.
Applicants are advised to set out the total project cost and allow the Trustees to find their own level within this; they will rarely fund a project in full. Grants awarded may be for specific items within the budget or a general contribution towards the overall cost.
Project funding may be offered on a one-off basis or phased, often on a tapering basis, over a three-year period.
While the Trusts do not make grants towards core operational costs, the Trustees do recognise that securing funding for such costs can be a particular challenge. Applicants should, therefore, include a reasonable level of management costs to cover overheads in their project budget.
The Trust's latest annual report and accounts provide examples of recent grants. (Please note that the link will open a new window on the Charity Commission of England & Wales website)