Ishada Charitable Trust

The Ishada Charitable Trust, established in March 2006, is a discreet grant-making charity dedicated to supporting the Jewish community in England and Wales through targeted philanthropy. With a small board of three voluntary trustees and no paid staff, it embodies prudent stewardship, strong governance—including policies on conflicts, investments, and risk—and an ethos of quiet service to sustain religious life, health, education, poverty relief, elderly welfare, and ethnic community needs. Its distinctive approach eschews publicity and open calls, favoring trusted networks to address diverse requirements within the Jewish voluntary sector.

The Trust funds general charitable purposes, education and training, advancing health or saving lives, poverty prevention or relief, and religious activities. Grants support projects, core costs, capital needs, or direct individual aid for those connected to the Jewish community, prioritizing grassroots charities, voluntary bodies, and community-embedded organizations that align with its values.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities operating in England and Wales with a clear Jewish community focus; individuals may qualify exceptionally via established ties. It prefers small to medium-sized entities without published income thresholds. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding is invitation-only, decided rolling at trustee meetings with no deadlines or forms. Typical grants are modest, in the low thousands to tens of thousands of pounds, within annual disbursements under £60,000.

Exclusions include non-Jewish causes, projects outside England and Wales, and unconnected applicants. What sets Ishada apart is its relational, discretionary model: a consistent, low-profile funder reliant on insider knowledge to bolster community continuity and resilience.