A G Manly Charitable Trust

The A G Manly Charitable Trust, also known as The Manly Trust, was established in 1991 by Graham Manly OBE in memory of his father Alfred Manly, both leaders in building services engineering. Its core mission is to advance engineering science for public benefit by promoting engineering development, fostering education—especially among young people—and addressing skills shortages in STEM fields, particularly engineering. Rooted in family stewardship and industry ties (e.g., BESA, CIBSE), the Trust emphasizes accessibility, excellence, and practical talent-building through scholarships, bursaries, training, and careers initiatives, prioritizing youth progression from school to postgraduate levels.

It funds projects advancing engineering careers and education, such as scholarships (e.g., Arkwright), university bursaries (e.g., London South Bank), masterclasses (e.g., Royal Institution), and sector programs (e.g., BESA Skills Legacy, Surrey SATRO). Support targets organizations enabling access, aspiration, and achievement for young engineers, including revenue/program costs and strategic partnerships, with a focus on measurable impact in skills, employability, and attainment.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and academic institutions, with a preference for small/medium-sized entities proven in engineering education; no strict income limits, but projects must primarily serve South-East England (London, Surrey, Sussex—unlikely outside). Grants range from £2,000–£25,000 (typically £5,000–£15,000), totaling ~£120,000 annually across 10-15 awards; multi-year possible for partnerships. Applications via online form or email (admin@manlytrust.uk) are accepted rolling year-round—apply early as funds commit quickly (e.g., nearly exhausted for 2024)—with decisions in 1-3 months.

The Trust rarely funds outside engineering/STEM education, unrestricted costs, or non-South-East projects, distinguishing it as a niche specialist with deep sector knowledge, multigenerational ethos, and emphasis on collaborative, preventative investments in diverse engineering talent.