Maurice and Hilda Laing Charitable Trust

The Maurice and Hilda Laing Charitable Trust, established in 1996 by the Laing family—rooted in the legacy of Sir John Laing, a Christian businessman and founder of a major construction firm—embodies a strong Christian ethos of stewardship, community, and practical compassion. Its core mission is to advance the Christian faith worldwide through innovative church expressions, theological training, and pastoral support, while providing tangible aid to disadvantaged groups like prisoners, ex-offenders, the homeless, at-risk children and youth, refugees, and the elderly, primarily via faith-based organizations demonstrating Christianity through action. The Trust prioritizes sustainable, replicable projects with long-term impact, focusing on poverty relief in the UK and low-income Sub-Saharan African countries (e.g., street children, education, disability support, livelihoods), channeled through UK-based entities.

It funds capital and project initiatives—such as equipment, buildings, and new programs—excluding core costs, unrestricted, or emergency grants, with a strong preference for matched funding and partnerships. Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or exempt churches (small to medium-sized, no strict income limits) operating UK-wide or with a UK base for international work; Christian alignment and demonstrable sustainability are key.

Unsolicited applications are welcomed year-round via a postal process: complete an online eligibility quiz, then submit a completed cover sheet, 3–4 page proposal, covering letter, accounts, and budgets to the Laing Family Trusts office (no email/online). Quarterly trustee meetings yield decisions within four months; typical grants range from £5,000 to £25,000, occasionally larger, favoring organizations with proven impact and financial/environmental viability. Distinctive for blending explicit Christian advancement with pragmatic social support, it builds enduring grantee relationships where outcomes shine.