Friends Trusts Limited

Friends Trusts Limited, incorporated in 1923 and authorised as the principal custodian trustee for the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain in 1930 (charity number 237698), serves as the denominational trust corporation holding legal title to over 450 properties and managing more than £6 million in endowed funds and investments. Its core mission is stewardship of Quaker assets—including meeting houses, burial grounds, and legacy trusts—to uphold the Quaker movement's religious work and public benefit, guided by ethical, socially responsible investment policies aligned with Quaker values of peace, simplicity, and integrity. Rather than direct grant-making, it acts on instructions from beneficial Quaker owners, ensuring impartial, legal custodianship with a board of Quaker experts in governance, law, property, and finance.

It supports Quaker area meetings, charities, and related bodies across England, Scotland, and Wales through restricted income distributions from managed trusts, funding charitable purposes like infrastructure maintenance, witness activities, and social engagement as specified by original donors—recent annual totals exceeding £140,000, with grants varying by trust terms for property upkeep or aligned initiatives.

Eligible entities are exclusively UK-registered Quaker charities or community groups within Britain; no income thresholds apply, but support is limited to those for whom it already serves as custodian. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—distributions occur internally via ad hoc board meetings following trust deeds, with no deadlines or open calls. It excludes non-Quaker organisations, unrestricted project funding, core costs, or capital grants, distinguishing itself as a foundational, non-competitive steward uniquely dedicated to safeguarding Quaker infrastructure and legacy bequests rather than broad philanthropy.