Chaim Bechesed

Chaim Bechesed is a UK-registered charitable incorporated organisation established on 23 March 2022, dedicated to the prevention or relief of poverty and advancing religious activities, primarily through grantmaking to individuals and organisations in the London boroughs of Hackney and Haringey. Governed by a small board of two trustees—Saul Weiss (Chair) and Israel Kahan—it emphasises prudent stewardship, transparency, and risk management, with a philosophy of rapid, needs-driven support. In the year ending 31 May 2024, it distributed nearly £973,000 in grants from £983,000 in donations, prioritising immediate charitable impact over reserves.

The funder supports flexible initiatives addressing poverty relief—such as emergency aid and core costs—and religious purposes, benefiting both individuals in financial hardship and community groups or charities aligned with these aims. Grants enable direct relief, sustaining religious life, and general charitable work without rigid thematic programmes, favouring local, responsive interventions in its target areas.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities and community groups operating exclusively in Hackney or Haringey; there are no income thresholds, religious restrictions, or size limits, accommodating grassroots to mid-sized entities. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding occurs via trustee discretion through direct approaches or referrals, with no public deadlines, portals, or guidelines; decisions are made adhoc during periodic meetings.

Distinctive for its operational simplicity, geographic specificity, and dual focus on individuals and institutions, Chaim Bechesed avoids fundraising, trading, or detailed project mandates, differentiating it as a straightforward, high-trust grantmaker for acute local needs in poverty alleviation and religious community support. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £75,000 for organisations, with smaller individual awards.