Anne French Memorial Trust

The Anne French Memorial Trust, established in 1969, is a grantmaking charity deeply embedded in the Church of England, governed by trustees from the senior leadership of the Diocese of Norwich. Its core mission focuses on advancing charitable purposes within the Diocese, with a strong emphasis on supporting clergy training, pastoral wellbeing, theological formation, and strengthening religious life in Norfolk. Rooted in ecclesiastical stewardship, the Trust prioritizes long-term impact on diocesan priorities, sustaining Church mission, congregations, and faith-rooted community benefits through targeted grants to the Norwich Diocesan Board of Finance and aligned Norfolk organizations.

It funds clergy professional development, welfare initiatives, practical training, pastoral projects, capacity building, infrastructure, and occasional community or cultural activities tied to the Diocese's work—such as grants to Norwich Theatre, National Centre for Writing, Heritage House, and the Anne French Memorial Trust PGCE Bursary at the University of East Anglia, which boosts ethnic diversity among trainee teachers connected to diocesan efforts. Beneficiaries include clergy, parishes, and organizations delivering outreach, education, or inclusion aligned with Christian mission.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities, academic institutions, and community groups operating strictly within the Diocese of Norwich (Norfolk-focused), with a preference for medium-to-large established entities like the Diocesan Board; Christian alignment and diocesan connections are essential. No income thresholds apply, but grassroots groups are rarely supported. Grants range from £1,000 to £20,000 (averaging £5,000–£20,000), awarded invite-only without unsolicited applications or public deadlines—decisions occur adhoc via trustee meetings, sometimes through external bursary processes.

Distinctively narrow in scope, the Trust excludes generalist or non-diocesan projects, prioritizing exclusive ties to Church of England leadership in Norfolk for reliable, enduring support of ecclesial and community priorities.