Theodore Roussel Memorial Trust

The Theodore Roussel Memorial Trust, established by will proved in 2009 and administered solely by Lloyds Bank Plc as corporate trustee, is a grant-making charity dedicated to perpetuating support for people with learning disabilities (formerly termed mentally handicapped) in Berkshire, with occasional discretion for surrounding areas. Its mission emphasizes dignity, care, and enhanced quality of life through social inclusion and access to essential services, funding only targeted projects run by local charitable organizations rather than unrestricted reserves. This tightly focused approach, guided by Charity Commission standards, prioritizes evidence-based initiatives that deliver tangible benefits.

The Trust funds specific activities benefiting people with learning disabilities, such as direct care, specialist early years provision, respite services, day centre operations, educational programmes, and community inclusion efforts. Beneficiaries are local charities and voluntary bodies whose core aims center on intellectual disability support, exemplified by grants to organizations like Dingley Family and Specialist Early Years Centres.

Eligible applicants must be UK-registered charities operating principally in Berkshire, with a preference for small to medium-sized groups focused on learning disabilities; national organizations or those without a local presence are not prioritized. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—grants are selected annually at the trustee's discretion, with no public deadlines, forms, or open rounds.

Typical grants range from £5,000 to £15,000, part of annual disbursements (£22,000–£85,000 across multiple awards), excluding general overheads, capital projects unrelated to core aims, or activities outside the geographic scope. Distinctive for its unwavering mission fidelity, professional trusteeship ensuring impartiality, and project-only funding philosophy, it stands out as a reliable, low-profile supporter of hyper-local disability care in Berkshire.