Congregation of Jesus Charitable Trust

The Congregation of Jesus Charitable Trust is the charitable arm of the English Province of the Congregation of Jesus, an international Roman Catholic apostolic order of women founded by Mary Ward in the 17th century. Rooted in Ignatian spirituality, it advances the order's mission of education, faith, service, and social justice through practical Christian compassion and empowerment. Governed by trustees including sisters and lay experts in charity, finance, education, and care, the Trust stewards legacy resources to promote ministries, maintain Catholic heritage sites like the Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre in York, and support theology, religious formation, and pastoral care, primarily in England but extending to UK and overseas Congregation-linked work.

It funds religious, educational, social, and pastoral projects targeting vulnerable adults, young people, and disadvantaged groups of all faiths, including retreat direction, spiritual formation, chaplaincy, outreach, historic property maintenance, and collaborative initiatives like St Bede’s Pastoral Centre and Bar Convent Enterprises (guesthouse, café, museum). Emphasis is on faith-driven impact, heritage education promoting religious tolerance, and direct ministries led by or involving sisters.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities closely aligned with the Congregation's ethos, such as Catholic-inspired education, faith-based care, or heritage projects; no income thresholds or geographic base restrictions apply, though focus is England-centric, especially York.

Grants typically range £10,000–£50,000 (up to £100,000 for core works) for core funding, projects, capital, and maintenance, awarded invite-only by the board at adhoc meetings with no public deadlines, forms, or unsolicited applications. It excludes secular, unrelated, or independent projects, distinguishing itself as a mission-specific custodian rather than open grantmaker, prioritizing strategic, legacy-aligned sustainability.