West Derby Waste Lands Charity

West Derby Waste Lands Charity, established in 1753 and formalized in 1874, is a historic Liverpool-based philanthropic organization that transitioned from managing agricultural lands to grant-making after liquidating its holdings in 1999. Its mission is to enhance the lives, health, welfare, and wellbeing of residents in the Ancient Township of West Derby (Liverpool postcodes L7, L11, L12, L13, L14), prioritizing the young, elderly, infirm, and those in financial hardship. Rooted in local stewardship and reinvestment of legacy assets, it embodies a flexible, community-focused ethos, supporting vulnerable individuals, families, community groups, and charities through welfare aid, carers' support, health initiatives, victim services, self-help groups, and broader voluntary efforts like project activities, operating costs, emergencies, and community enhancements—both restricted and unrestricted.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, and individuals residing in or demonstrably benefiting the defined area, with a preference for small to medium-sized grassroots organizations; there are no strict income limits, and unsolicited applications are welcomed.

Grants typically range from £500 to £5,000 (up to £50,000 annually across ~50 awards), awarded at quarterly trustee meetings on a rolling basis with decisions in 8-12 weeks (faster for urgent needs). Applications require downloading and posting a simple form (personal or community grant) from the website, including need details and local impact evidence—no online submission.

Distinctive for its hyper-local exclusivity, historic continuity, and generalist flexibility without thematic or capital/revenue restrictions, it excludes non-local projects, standing out as a straightforward, place-based funder maximizing legacy impact for West Derby residents.