William Adlington Cadbury Charitable Trust

The William Adlington Cadbury Charitable Trust, established in 1923 by Quaker philanthropist William Cadbury—former Lord Mayor of Birmingham—advances social welfare and progressive change rooted in Quaker principles of peace, justice, and compassion. With a four-generation family legacy, it prioritizes community well-being, particularly in Birmingham and the West Midlands, while supporting inclusive initiatives like penal reform, Quaker-linked projects, Irish peace and reconciliation, and sustainable development in West Africa through established UK partners.

It funds community action addressing local needs; programmes for vulnerable groups including children, youth, elderly, disabled people, asylum seekers, and minorities; advice, mediation, counselling, education, and training for job re-entry; environmental conservation and climate efforts; healthcare like hospices; arts (music, drama, visual arts, museums); and distinctive penal reform via restorative justice, prison programmes, and ex-offender support to cut reoffending. Grants cover projects, core costs (salaries, running expenses), and small capital, with flexibility for one-off funding.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and West Midlands community groups (grassroots for small grants with governance); all sizes apply, preferring small-medium ones under £1m income, based primarily in Birmingham/West Midlands, with scope for UK Quaker work, Ireland, or West Africa links. Unsolicited online applications (concise, max 3 A4 sides) are accepted; small grants (£250–£5,000, typically £250–£2,000) rolling monthly; large (£10,000–£50,000, avg £25,000) biannually (May/Nov meetings), next deadline 20 October 2025. Excludes individuals, travel/sports, non-UK charities (except exempt); discourages repeats within two years. Standout for Quaker ethos, penal focus, core funding openness, and Birmingham-centric impact.