Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation
About This Funder
The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO), established in 1920 with charitable status since 1995, is the UK's sole national charity dedicated to former coal miners, their families, local mining communities, and mining charities across former coalfields in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Rooted in addressing the social, economic, and health legacies of coal industry decline, CISWO's mission is to improve lives and reduce disadvantage through social justice, support, and empowerment. It uniquely combines direct individual welfare—such as benefits advocacy, mobility aids, emotional support, financial hardship grants, and educational bursaries—with project funding for mining charities, capital improvements to community facilities, capacity building, emergency relief, and stewardship of recreational lands like sports pitches for ongoing community benefit.
CISWO prioritises those facing mining-related complexity, isolation, or hardship, including older people, those with illness/disability, widows, dependents, and grassroots mining social clubs. In 2024, it supported over 2,100 individuals with £164,000 in grants and aided 200+ charities with £152,000, while helping secure £4.4 million in additional benefits.
Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities and community groups based in the UK, with a preference for small to medium-sized, grassroots organisations serving former mining areas; no strict income limits or religious restrictions apply. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £10,000 (occasionally higher for capital projects). Applications are unsolicited and rolling—start with a phone enquiry to regional offices or via website, followed by post/email submission—decided quarterly by trustees (allow weeks to months); education grants require 1 March–1 December submission.
Distinctively holistic rather than time-limited, CISWO avoids non-mining initiatives, focusing on enduring empowerment and resource protection that sets it apart in supporting coalfield resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation
How much funding does Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation provide?
Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation typically provides grants ranging from £1,000 - £10,000.
Is Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation accepting applications?
Yes, Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation is currently open to applications from eligible charities.
Where does Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation fund charities?
Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.