Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust

The Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust, established in 1928 by Edward Cadbury—grandson of the Cadbury chocolate founder—and his wife Dorothy, is a values-driven philanthropic organization rooted in Quaker principles of simplicity, equality, justice, peace, and environmental care. Its mission centers on strengthening local communities and advancing social welfare through targeted charitable support in the West Midlands region, emphasizing ethical rigor, public benefit, and relationship-building among grantees via networks and learning opportunities.

The trust prioritizes five core themes: arts and culture (e.g., music for social benefit), community projects and integration (e.g., social inclusion and cohesion), compassionate support for vulnerable groups, conservation and the natural environment, and education and training (e.g., youth work, adult education). It backs specific interventions like prison music programs (e.g., Finding Rhythms), cultural initiatives, environmental efforts, and projects fostering resilience and disadvantage alleviation, with repeat funding for aligned local charities demonstrating clear outcomes.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities operating in the West Midlands—specifically Birmingham, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire—with a preference for small to medium-sized voluntary groups focused on local impact; no strict income thresholds apply, and unsolicited applications are welcomed. Grants, typically £1,000–£5,000 (up to £20,000 exceptionally), fund one-off projects, some core costs, or capital appeals via online form, email, or post, with rolling reviews and decisions within three months.

Exclusions include endowments, ongoing costs without defined outcomes, and individuals; the trust stands out for its unwavering Quaker ethos, geographic and thematic precision, efficient one-off distribution maximizing Midlands impact, and avoidance of non-aligned proposals.