Thomas Stanley Shipman Charitable Trust

The Thomas Stanley Shipman Charitable Trust, established in 1961 and based in Leicester, is a grant-making trust endowed by philanthropist Thomas Stanley Shipman to alleviate poverty and advance general charitable purposes for residents of Leicester city and Leicestershire. Guided by values of compassion, local stewardship, and practical support for vulnerable people, it upholds the founder's vision through independent trustee oversight, rigorous governance, and a focus on enabling meaningful change via grassroots interventions that fill gaps in statutory services.

It funds poverty relief, hardship grants, welfare support, core costs, equipment, and service delivery for disadvantaged groups, including children and young people, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and the wider community. Priorities emphasize direct, practical aid to local charities and voluntary bodies tackling inequality, basic needs, and social exclusion, such as support for sight-impaired residents or children in poverty.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups operating solely in Leicester city or Leicestershire (with rare exceptions for Rutland if benefits are local); it prefers small, grassroots organizations without strict income limits. Applications are unsolicited, submitted anytime by email or post with organizational details, beneficiary info, project description, funding request, and latest accounts; individual grants go via Leicester Charity Link. Trustees meet biannually in April and November, requiring submissions six weeks prior, with decisions in up to four months. Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000 for organizations and under £1,000 for individuals.

Exclusions cover campaigning, political activities, and educational purposes. Distinctive for its enduring local focus, responsiveness to urgent needs, and commitment to small-scale, high-impact aid fostering community resilience.