International Bankers Charitable Trust

The International Bankers Charitable Trust (IBCT), established by trust deed in June 2001 and governed exclusively by the Court of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers (WCIB), advances charitable initiatives aligned with WCIB's aims, emphasizing vocational training in financial services, education, financial literacy, and employability for underprivileged young people across the UK. Rooted in modern livery values of integrity, professionalism, and societal service—guided by the Lord George Principles of ethical conduct, transparency, and integrity—the Trust has distributed over £1.7 million since inception, leveraging industry expertise, volunteerism, and livery traditions for targeted, sustainable philanthropy focused on the next generation in finance.

It prioritizes grants for educational projects, financial literacy workshops, bursaries, scholarships, mentoring schemes, and employability programs benefiting disadvantaged youth, particularly those entering financial services. Beneficiaries include charities like The Brokerage for social mobility, The Share Foundation for looked-after children's financial education, and School-Home Support for disadvantaged families, with support for schools, universities, and non-profits delivering skills development, career preparation, and aspiration-raising initiatives, often in London and major UK conurbations.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities and academic institutions (schools/universities) in England and Wales, with a preference for small- to medium-sized organizations capable of scaled impact; unsolicited applications are not accepted—only invited or pre-selected entities via the Charities and Education Committees. Typical grants range from £2,500 to £25,000 (mostly £5,000–£15,000) for one-year projects, awarded ad hoc through periodic trustee meetings with no deadlines.

The Trust excludes direct individual funding, core/unrestricted costs (rarely supported), capital projects, emergency relief, or activities outside its education/financial skills remit, distinguishing itself through WCIB partnerships, ethical decision-making, and a focus on capacity-building over transactional giving.