Congleton Inclosure Trust

Congleton Inclosure Trust, established in 1795 by Act of Parliament through the enclosure of local wastelands, is a longstanding charitable trust dedicated to benefiting residents of Congleton (Cheshire) and surrounding parishes including Astbury, Hulme Walfield, Eaton, North Rode, Bosley, and Somerford. Rooted in poverty relief from rental income of enclosed lands, its mission endures to enhance community wellbeing through prudent investments, supporting a broad spectrum of charitable purposes: poverty prevention and relief, education advancement, health and lifesaving, citizenship and community development, arts, culture, sport, heritage, science, and environmental protection. With no paid staff and volunteer trustees, it emphasizes tangible local impact, having disbursed over £1.25 million to projects like village halls, sports clubs, youth initiatives, and environmental improvements.

The trust funds project grants, capital for facilities/equipment, and limited core costs for local delivery, targeting individuals, voluntary groups, small charities, and community organizations whose activities directly benefit specified residents. It accepts unsolicited applications from UK-registered charities and community groups with no formal income thresholds, though it prefers small to medium-sized entities focused on grassroots efforts.

Applications require a downloadable form submitted by post with project details demonstrating local benefit; no preliminary enquiry needed. Grants are awarded quarterly via sub-committee review, with rolling submissions ideally four weeks before meetings (e.g., decisions within 4-6 weeks, next cycle around October 2025). Typical amounts range £200-£3,000, occasionally higher.

Distinctively local and generalist, it excludes non-local activities, lacks religious restrictions, and stands out for its historical legacy, transparent governance, and flexible support across community needs without rigid thematic silos.