Oakdale Trust

The Oakdale Trust is a small, family-run charitable foundation established in 1946 by Brandon Cadbury, rooted in the Cadbury family's philanthropic legacy of social reform. Overseen by Cadbury family trustees, it shifted focus in the 1990s from the West Midlands to bolstering under-served voluntary sectors in Wales, with a mission to enhance community life, foster social wellbeing, and drive practical change through responsive grant-making. Its values emphasize pragmatic support for grassroots initiatives, penal reform, Wales-focused medical needs and research, environmental conservation, arts with a Welsh dimension, and modest aid to UK-registered charities working in developing countries.

The Trust funds project and core costs (occasionally capital items) for Welsh-based social and community projects, medical support groups, conservation efforts, penal reform organizations, and culturally connected arts, prioritizing acute local needs and measurable community impact among small to medium-sized grassroots entities.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities, Community Interest Companies limited by guarantee, or formally constituted community groups, with a strong preference for Wales-based operations and local embedding; larger national bodies are considered selectively if aligned with priorities. Typical grants range from £250 to £3,000 (average £2,000), with £350,000 disbursed annually. Unsolicited applications are accepted via online form or post, reviewed biannually at April and October trustee meetings—deadlines are 1 April (spring) and 1 September (autumn).

Exclusions include individuals, holiday schemes, expeditions, sports, and non-UK entities; repeat funding is limited to two-year intervals with encouraged outcome reporting but minimal bureaucracy. Distinctive for its family stewardship, Wales-centric ethos, and accessible, relational approach attuned to local priorities, it favors concise proposals evidencing clear aims, need, and sustainable outcomes.