Michael Barnard Charitable Trust

The Trust prioritises mental health and wellbeing programmes for pupils and staff in Essex state secondary schools, including specialist mentoring, counselling and safe spaces. It also funds practical aid for homelessness, support for women and children escaping domestic violence, and performing arts opportunities for children with special needs. Funding is delivered through direct payments for specific goods, services and tailored interventions. While its work is focused on local needs in Essex, the Trust's remit covers the whole of the UK.

Eligible organisations include academic institutions, particularly state secondary schools, and small to medium community groups working on the front line in Essex. The Trust works with partners it identifies directly rather than accepting unsolicited applications. Beneficiaries are at-risk children and young people in education, families in poverty, disabled individuals and people in acute distress. The Trust favours locally rooted groups addressing the needs of their communities.

The Trust does not fund core costs, unrestricted support or speculative proposals. It excludes large national organisations and does not accept unsolicited applications. All funding is tied to specific, tangible interventions rather than general running costs.

The Trust funds through a partnership model, working with organisations it has identified directly. Support takes the form of direct payments for goods, services and bespoke interventions, ensuring funds are used for specific, needs-led outcomes. It does not accept unsolicited applications and instead proactively engages with partners aligned to its mission.