Mobbs Memorial Trust Limited

The Mobbs Memorial Trust Limited, established in 1956 by Sir Noel Mobbs using family endowment funds, is a family-governed grantmaker dedicated to preserving the historic St Giles Church, churchyard (site of Thomas Gray's Elegy), Memorial Gardens, and adjacent National Trust field in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. Its founding mission emphasizes perpetual heritage stewardship and community betterment within a 35-mile radius (extended from 4 miles in 1973), rooted in values of local responsibility, inter-generational continuity, and tangible impact across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. Distinguished by its blend of site-specific guardianship and flexible regional philanthropy, the Trust sustains quality of life through measured, endowment-backed giving.

It funds diverse charitable causes, prioritizing heritage preservation alongside community welfare, health, education, youth development, social inclusion, recreation, environment, and hardship relief. Supported activities include community centre upgrades, youth programmes, medical/disability services, educational initiatives, arts/sports projects, public realm improvements, and church maintenance. Beneficiaries span all ages—children, youth, older people, disabled individuals—and range from grassroots groups to larger voluntary organizations, with examples like literacy schemes (ABC to Read), vision support (Bucks Vision), and football clubs (Burghfield FC).

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities based and operating within the 35-mile radius, delivering clear local benefits; no strict income limits apply, but small-to-medium groups are preferred. Typical grants of £1,000–£5,000 (e.g., £161,341 across 52 awards in 2024) cover project costs, capital, equipment, and select core funding. Unsolicited email applications to applications@mobbsmemorialtrust.com are reviewed quarterly (March, June, September, December—submit by month-start); decisions follow within weeks.

Exclusions include out-of-area work, unrestricted/general funding, and emergency relief. Uniquely, its family trusteeship ensures enduring focus on heritage-linked, place-based impact fostering social cohesion.