Ann Watson's Trust

Ann Watson's Trust, one of the UK's oldest charities established in 1720 by the will of Mrs Ann Watson, wife of Rev. Abraham Watson, upholds a mission to relieve women in need—prioritizing elderly ladies, widows, and unmarried daughters connected to the Church of England clergy—and advance education for young people under 25 in Kingston Upon Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire. Rooted in compassion, faith-based inclusion, benevolence, and long-term stewardship, the Trust manages a historic endowment from tenanted farms, properties, and investments, funding its work without public appeals. Distinctively, it maintains a Grade II listed building in Sutton village, Hull, offering self-contained flats to practising Church of England members (now including other Christians), while channeling grants through dual streams of individual aid and organizational support.

It funds educational advancement via grants for equipment, books, special needs, travel, employability training, life skills, and arts (performing arts via NAPA), targeting disadvantaged youth with HU postcodes and 3+ years residency. Organizational grants support local voluntary bodies and schools delivering community benefits like social/emotional development, excluding core statutory services. Non-resident clergy widows may qualify via York Diocese recommendations.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, and academic institutions (income preference under £1m), plus individuals via means-tested processes; all must serve the specified locales. Typical grants range £200–£6,000 (up to £2,000 individuals, larger bursaries). Unsolicited applications use online forms or JVenn platform (bursaries: 10 March–16 May 2025); submit 10 working days before ad hoc trustee meetings, next on 4 November 2025. Exclusions: core costs, salaries, statutory provision. Its 300-year legacy, female/clergy focus, and hyper-local impact set it apart for aligned Christian-led initiatives.