Mrs Jane Cart's Trust

Mrs Jane Cart's Trust, established in 1736 by the bequest of wealthy widow Jane Cart from Dunstable, is a historic grant-making charity rooted in her lifetime philanthropy supporting local churches, almshouses, and education. Its enduring mission provides practical relief to poor Church of England clergy, their spouses, widows, widowers, and dependants—specifically those serving or served in the Diocese of St Albans—while maintaining Dunstable's ecclesiastical heritage, including an annual sermon and local monument. A linked almshouse arm aids housing costs for poor single women in and around Dunstable through grants to relevant charities. Core values of compassion, faith, service, and stewardship guide its targeted, dignity-preserving support for overlooked beneficiaries facing bereavement, poverty, or hardship, with grants covering urgent living costs, household needs, medical expenses, minor church improvements, and clergy retirement aid—all as one-off payments.

It prioritises individuals in financial distress (e.g., elderly clergy widows/daughters over 45) and small charities providing housing for single women, excluding broader community projects or unrestricted core funding.

Eligible applicants include qualifying individuals (no preliminary enquiry needed) and UK-registered charities/community groups with strong alignment; applications are Christian-only (Church of England focus), geographically restricted to the Diocese of St Albans (Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, north London) for clergy aid and hyper-local Dunstable for housing. No strict income limits, but preference for small grassroots efforts. Submit official forms by email/post via Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation; general living costs reviewed annually (pre-May for June/July meeting), special/urgent needs quarterly or ad hoc, with decisions in 4–12 weeks.

Typical grants range £1,000–£5,000 (exceptional cases higher); distinctive for its 288-year legacy, narrow remit, personal trustee oversight, and exclusion of unrelated causes, ensuring precise stewardship of its restricted historic funds.