Well of Torah

Well of Torah is a UK-registered charity established on 14 March 2007, dedicated to advancing the Orthodox Jewish faith through religious education, promoting Orthodox beliefs, and relieving poverty, sickness, and infirmity among Jewish communities. Governed by four trustees and six volunteers, it embodies core values of religious observance, communal support, and traditional Orthodox principles, with rigorous policies on safeguarding, conflicts of interest, and financial controls. Its distinctive approach lies in a faith-specific focus, blending educational strengthening with targeted welfare, serving Orthodox Jewish needs across England and Wales via community-led oversight.

The funder prioritizes projects reinforcing Orthodox Jewish identity, such as religious instruction, school infrastructure, and community activities that foster practice and cohesion. It supports both individuals facing hardship and organizations delivering education or relief, emphasizing themes of religious studies, poverty alleviation, and communal welfare without funding capital, unrestricted, or capacity-building efforts.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or community groups with no geographic restrictions beyond England and Wales, showing preference for smaller entities aligned strictly with Orthodox Jewish criteria—no broader religious or secular causes. Unsolicited applications are not accepted; start with a phone enquiry to trustees for invitation. Grants typically range from £500 to £10,000 (often £1,000–£5,000), decided adhoc at trustee meetings held at least yearly, with no fixed deadlines.

What sets Well of Torah apart is its invite-only, network-driven model tailored to grassroots Jewish initiatives, excluding non-Orthodox or non-Jewish projects, ensuring modest, need-based awards that uphold faith-based priorities and community resilience.