Earl of Northampton's Charity
About This Funder
The Earl of Northampton's Charity, founded in 1614 by Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton, and administered by The Mercers' Company as sole trustee, has a four-century legacy of providing almshouse housing for older and vulnerable people in Greenwich (London) and Shotesham (Norfolk), while making targeted grants to historically linked sites in Clun (Shropshire) and Castle Rising (Norfolk). Its mission centers on maintaining quality housing, enhancing resident wellbeing, and relieving poverty, hardship, or distress among elderly and isolated individuals through needs-led, community-focused support, underpinned by values of dignity, sustainability, and local resilience—evident in its responsible investment policy excluding tobacco, gambling, and high-interest lending while prioritizing net-zero goals.
The charity funds operational costs, capital improvements, and welfare initiatives for its almshouses and beneficiaries, including relief grants to individuals facing financial distress and support for local organizations addressing social exclusion, poverty, and isolation. Priorities target older adults, vulnerable residents, and community projects delivering tangible benefits like those from partners such as Caring Together or Norfolk Community Foundation, emphasizing grassroots resilience in specified locales.
Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities and community groups operating exclusively in Greenwich, Shotesham, Clun, or Castle Rising, with a preference for small to medium local entities deeply embedded in these communities; unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding occurs by invitation or partnership only. Typical grants range from £3,000 to £100,000 (annual almshouse support £1,000–£15,000), decided quarterly by the trustee committee with no public deadlines. Distinctively, it avoids generalist philanthropy, restricting all activity to its historic geographic and beneficiary mandate, setting it apart as a singular, place-based pillar of UK almshouse tradition.
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Medium Grants (£10,000 - £100,000)Frequently Asked Questions about Earl of Northampton's Charity
How much funding does Earl of Northampton's Charity provide?
Earl of Northampton's Charity typically provides grants ranging from £3,000 - £100,000.
Is Earl of Northampton's Charity accepting applications?
Earl of Northampton's Charity is currently invitation only. Check their website for updates.
Where does Earl of Northampton's Charity fund charities?
Earl of Northampton's Charity funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Earl of Northampton's Charity?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Earl of Northampton's Charity, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.