James Frederick and Ethel Anne Measures Charity

The James Frederick and Ethel Anne Measures Charity, established in 1973 as a traditional charitable trust, is a discreet, longstanding funder dedicated to advancing general charitable purposes within the West Midlands conurbation of England. Anchored in Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton, its mission emphasizes local philanthropy through grants that promote education and training, health and lifesaving, support for people with disabilities, animal welfare, and environmental conservation or heritage. With a multi-generational ethos, it benefits children and young people, elderly individuals, those with disabilities, and other voluntary bodies, exemplified by funding for community arts (e.g., Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Festival Choral Society), outdoor adventure learning (Woodlands Adventure), and youth peace education (Peacemakers). Operating without trading or fundraising arms, it disburses around £124,000 annually via unremunerated trustees, prioritizing tangible community impact.

It supports a broad range of activities, including project funding, core costs, and general charitable purposes for small to medium-sized local organizations delivering direct regional benefits, with no single-issue focus or religious restrictions.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities and community groups based in or serving the specified West Midlands areas; there are no formal income thresholds, though preference favors established local entities. Typical grants range from £1,000 to £8,000 (most £2,000–£5,000, occasionally up to £10,000), awarded on a rolling, discretionary basis at trustee meetings aligned to the April–March financial year.

The charity does not accept unsolicited applications or publish guidelines/forms, requiring direct trustee approaches via networks; it excludes national/international projects, large capital builds, seed funding, or emergency relief, distinguishing itself as a flexible, hyper-local generalist ideal for proven West Midlands organizations seeking modest, versatile support.