Guildford Poyle Charities

Guildford Poyle Charities, established in 1628 by Henry Smith with subsequent mergers from local bequests, is a historic Guildford-based grantmaker dedicated to preventing or relieving poverty among vulnerable residents in central Guildford. Its enduring mission focuses on alleviating hardship through practical grants of goods, services, or funding to individuals in financial distress and organisations delivering direct support, guided by values of compassion, dignity, and local responsibility. Distinctive features include its deep-rooted community ties, significant endowment, and the annual 'Dicing Money Ceremony', blending centuries-old tradition with modern governance to foster transformative local impact.

The charity prioritises relief of poverty and need, funding initiatives addressing financial hardship, health, disability, domestic abuse, housing instability, youth support, special educational needs, and mental wellbeing. Grants support essential items like furniture, appliances, clothing, training, or travel for individuals, alongside project costs, core funding, equipment, and services for organisations aiding disadvantaged Guildford residents—recent grantees include Age UK Surrey, Guildford Citizens Advice, Challengers, and FurnitureLink.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups whose beneficiaries reside primarily in central Guildford (postcodes GU1, GU2, and parts of GU3/GU4), with a preference for small to medium-sized local entities serving marginalised groups; no strict income limits or religious restrictions apply. Typical grants range from £1,000 to £5,000, occasionally larger for high-impact projects. Unsolicited applications are welcomed via email or post using the Organisation Grant Application Form, including accounts and evaluation plans, with quarterly deadlines one month before trustee meetings (next: 20 February 2025 for 20 March). It excludes non-local activities, requiring post-grant reporting for accountability.