Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust

The Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust, registered in 2014 as a grant-making charity rooted in the Oldfield family's philanthropic legacy, drives long-term transformation for marginalised groups by funding programmes that reduce offending and reoffending, promote entrepreneurship among young and disadvantaged people, and address homelessness, addiction, poverty, and social mobility barriers. With trustees from family and public service backgrounds, its values emphasise strategic interventions, innovation, risk-taking, and relational partnerships to foster independence, rehabilitation, and measurable outcomes over temporary relief.

It supports diverse causes including economic and community development, employment, arts, culture, heritage, science, environment, and conservation, prioritising children, young people, disabled individuals, the elderly, and at-risk communities. Key examples include grants to Barnardo’s Gap Homes (£135k for care leavers), Forward Trust recovery programmes, Church Homeless Charity interventions, English Heritage conservation, and Star Academies’ education inquiries. Grant types encompass projects, capital, bursaries for individuals, and capacity building, favouring established charities with strong track records and entrepreneurial elements, primarily in Kent and Medway but flexible for aligned national initiatives.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities (no income thresholds specified), submitting concise 500-word emails or posts detailing organisation, project, community relevance, finances, and reserves—no glossy materials or improper formats. Rolling applications yield decisions at trustee meetings (weeks to months), with typical grants of £10,000–£250,000 (mostly £10k–£100k). Distinctive for its outcomes-first ethos blending social justice, enterprise, and rehabilitation, it avoids routine unrestricted or emergency aid, standing out through sustained, high-impact support for vulnerable populations.