Thomas Hickman's Charity

Thomas Hickman's Charity, Aylesbury's oldest independent charitable institution founded around 1637 by local benefactor Thomas Hickman, is a privately endowed trust rooted in Buckinghamshire. Its enduring mission focuses on preventing and relieving poverty, providing housing or essential aids, and advancing general charitable purposes, with a strong emphasis on older people, those in hardship, and the Aylesbury community. Guided by values of practical compassion, local stewardship, and targeted relief, it delivers tangible support to maintain dignity and independence, distinguishing itself through nearly four centuries of hyperlocal, needs-led giving exclusively within Aylesbury boundaries.

The charity funds practical essentials for low-income residents, such as washing machines, cookers, fridges, beds, carpets, and disability aids, often via direct grants to individuals referred by local welfare teams. It also supports local organisations tackling deprivation, isolation, health challenges, and housing needs, including groups like Chilterns Neuro Centre, Re-engage, and Youth Concern, prioritising frontline projects that enable vulnerable people—especially the elderly—to stay safely at home.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities and community groups (from grassroots to established) wholly or partly benefiting Aylesbury residents, with no income thresholds but a preference for smaller entities; unsolicited letters detailing requests, itemised costs, accounts, and local impact are accepted by post. Trustees meet monthly (except August) on a rolling basis, with decisions in 4-6 weeks and typical grants of £500-£2,000 to organisations or £100-£500 to individuals for specific items. It excludes non-Aylesbury activities, core costs, unrestricted funding, or statutory alternatives, ensuring rapid, dignified relief uniquely tied to Thomas Hickman's local legacy.