Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust
Could Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust be a fit? Check free — then find open funders like them if not.
- Typical grants
- £5,000 – £25,000
- Applications
- Not accepted
- Decisions
- As needed
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.ukAbout Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust
The Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust is a Manchester-based, family-led grantmaker established in 1997 as the successor to a 1976 family trust founded by Mrs Hetty Black. Rooted in the family's philanthropic legacy from businesses including Risol Imports and Regatta Limited, the Trust is guided by values of family stewardship, flexible discretion, and collaborative, trust-based partnerships. It distributes income to support charitable purposes determined by trustees, with minimal reserves to ensure proportionate, long-term giving. The Trust prioritises grants to Jewish educational, religious, and welfare organisations, particularly in Greater Manchester, while occasionally supporting general education, training, and other charities benefiting the wider public in England and Wales.
What Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust funds
The Trust primarily funds Jewish educational, religious, and welfare organisations, especially those based in Greater Manchester. It also supports general education, training, and other charitable purposes that benefit the wider public in England and Wales. Funding covers core costs, running expenses, programme delivery, or specific purposes for established small- to medium-sized groups, with a focus on sustaining ongoing community services rather than new projects. The Trust operates through multi-generational family oversight and provides quiet, consistent backing to Manchester's Jewish sector.
Who can apply
The Trust only funds UK-registered charities operating in England and Wales. It shows strong preference for organisations aligned with Black family networks, Jewish communal values, and those with proven track records. While no formal income limits apply, the Trust favours reputable entities. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; grants go to trustee-selected organisations via invite-only discretion.
What Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications, effectively excluding unaligned or unproven causes. It also does not fund organisations that are not UK-registered charities or those operating outside England and Wales.
How they like to fund
The Trust funds through invite-only discretion, with grants determined by trustees on a flexible, ad hoc basis. It supports core costs, running expenses, programme delivery, or specific purposes, and favours collaborative, trust-based partnerships. The Trust maintains minimal reserves to ensure proportionate, long-term giving, and operates with multi-generational family oversight.
How much does Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust give?
Typical published range. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you would clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is the free fit check.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust
Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
- Decisions are typically as needed.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
See if Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust could be a fit — then find open funders like them.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust provide?
Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust typically provides grants of £5,000 - £25,000.
Where does Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust fund charities?
Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust?
Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Benson and Lionel Black Charitable Trust be a fit?
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