Gerald Palmer Eling Trust Company

The Gerald Palmer Eling Trust Company, a UK registered charity established in 1984 following the death of founder Gerald Palmer—an author, politician, and advocate for woodland management and Eastern Orthodox Christianity—manages the Eling Estate in West Berkshire while distributing grants to advance charitable causes rooted in sustainable rural stewardship, Christian traditions (especially Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches), and community welfare. Its mission emphasizes long-term preservation of woodland and rural character, delivering tangible local benefits through good governance, environmental care, and social responsibility, blending estate income with philanthropy for enduring impact.

The Trust prioritizes project-based funding for the advancement of Christianity, relief of sickness or poverty, education, community facilities, social welfare, and therapy initiatives. Supported activities include health services, faith community programs, welfare for vulnerable groups, and environmental projects benefiting local residents, disadvantaged people, church communities, and those facing illness in West Berkshire and neighbouring counties. Recent grantees like Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, Earth Trust, and Support Through Court exemplify its focus on measurable outcomes from small to medium-sized charities.

Eligible applicants are established UK-registered charities, preferably with incomes under £1 million and strong local ties; no geographic base is required, but projects must serve West Berkshire or adjacent areas, excluding overseas work. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £25,000 (averaging £3,000–£15,000), supporting one-off projects, capital items, equipment, or program costs—not core operations, individuals, or unrestricted funding. Unsolicited applications via email or post (no form needed; include charity status, project details, budgets, accounts) are reviewed at three annual trustee meetings (spring, summer, autumn) on a rolling basis, with decisions in up to four months. Its distinctive heritage-led ethos, Orthodox emphasis, and woodland-community synergy set it apart in regional funding.