Great Stone Bridge Trust of Edenbridge

The Great Stone Bridge Trust of Edenbridge is a centuries-old charitable trust, possibly dating to 1511, originally tasked with maintaining a historic stone bridge over the River Eden but evolving through Charity Commission schemes (1969, 1978, 1996) into a grant-maker for the general welfare of Parish of Edenbridge residents in Kent. Governed by 11 local trustees—including two from the Town Council—it upholds values of local stewardship, community service, and public benefit, with a strong emphasis on education while supporting broad charitable purposes to strengthen Edenbridge's social, cultural, and educational fabric.

It funds education and training (including scholarships and school support), health and lifesaving initiatives, community welfare for children, youth, elderly, and disabled people, plus arts, recreation, social clubs, and occasional capital projects like facility upgrades or riverside maintenance. Grants cover project costs, core funding, equipment, and individual awards, prioritizing responsive, need-based support for up to 50 local recipients annually, with recent expenditure exceeding £110,000.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, academic institutions, and individuals benefiting Edenbridge Parish residents only—no wider Kent, national, or overseas work. Preference for small to medium organizations (typically under £1m income), accepting unsolicited written applications (no online form) from 1 May to 15 August annually; decisions follow in autumn, with notifications by December. Typical grants: £500–£10,000 for organizations (£1,000–£5,000 most common), £200–£1,000 for individuals; larger sums rare for major projects. Distinctive for its hyper-local focus, historic legacy, individual grants, and flexible generalism excluding faith-based restrictions or competitive themes.