Charles Brotherton Trust

The Charles Brotherton Trust, established in 1940 by Charles Brotherton, former Chairman of Brotherton & Co., is a family-governed endowment fund dedicated to enhancing opportunities and quality of life for residents in six specific UK localities—Bebington and the Wirral, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Wakefield, and York—tied to the company's historical manufacturing sites. With a conservative investment philosophy managed by family-linked trustees, it prioritizes stable, annual grantmaking to support young people through education, training, and organized recreation; improve living standards for the elderly and disabled; and alleviate illness-related suffering. Its ethos emphasizes practical community benefits via locally rooted organizations, including bursaries for University of Leeds students (preferring science subjects), distinguishing it through multi-generational family oversight and focus on industrial heritage communities.

The Trust funds projects promoting youth development, elderly/disabled welfare, and community initiatives, such as activities for young people with special needs or local educational efforts, with occasional core funding if aligned to these aims. It targets grassroots efforts delivering tangible outcomes in education, recreation, and vulnerability support.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, CICs, or community groups with annual income under £25,000, operating exclusively within the named areas; unsolicited applications are welcomed from small, local entities. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £2,000. Apply by post (no email or forms) with a descriptive letter, recent accounts, and blank bank credit slip to the Secretary; submit well before the annual April trustee meeting (no fixed deadline, no acknowledgments or feedback). Successful grants pay in October; only one round yearly.

It excludes individuals, non-local work, and larger/repeat grants. Unique for its hyper-local scope, traditional structure, and youth/vulnerable focus in ex-industrial towns, it suits aligned small charities with proven community impact.