Merchant Company Endowments Trust

The Trust funds poverty relief and hardship support for older people experiencing low incomes, social exclusion, health challenges, mobility issues or crisis needs. It supports charities providing befriending services, community outreach, social activities, day services and wellbeing programmes that combat social isolation among elderly residents. Additional priorities include community welfare initiatives enabling social participation, housing support and preventative services that sustain independence. All funded work takes place within Edinburgh and Midlothian, with a particular emphasis on reaching older people most at risk of exclusion. The Trust also supports targeted schemes addressing disadvantage through local group partnerships, including therapeutic activities and peer support groups that enhance dignity, emotional wellbeing and community ties.

Registered charities, community groups and social enterprises in Edinburgh and Midlothian are eligible to apply. The Trust prioritises organisations working with older people facing hardship, particularly those on low incomes or at risk of social isolation. There is no religious restriction. Applicants should have a track record of outreach and community-led welfare within the local area, and be able to demonstrate direct impact on older citizens' dignity and social inclusion. The Trust favours grassroots voluntary groups with proven experience in crisis response and person-centred welfare.

The Trust does not fund activities unrelated to its core purpose of relieving poverty and hardship among older people. This includes broad educational projects, non-welfare health treatments, and work outside the Edinburgh and Midlothian area. It also excludes support for causes that do not directly benefit older residents facing hardship, such as general community development or non-age-specific welfare initiatives.

The Trust welcomes unsolicited approaches from eligible organisations. Its grantmaking philosophy emphasises discreet, consultative support through trusted local networks, favouring partnerships with proven charities delivering person-centred welfare. Funding is directed to interventions that foster sustained welfare, social connection and self-reliance in later life, rather than to broad or unrelated activities. This approach reflects a commitment to steady, responsive support that respects the dignity and independence of older people.