William and Edith Oldham Charitable Trust

The William and Edith Oldham Charitable Trust, established in 1995 by Paul Oldham in memory of his parents from Barming, Maidstone, Kent, is a family-endowed fund dedicated to honouring their legacy through targeted philanthropy. Its mission centers on promoting education (especially in Maidstone), advancing community benefits in Barming and Teston parishes, supporting Wadham College Oxford, and preserving Kent's history and heritage via archaeology, museums like Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery, and historic buildings such as St Margaret’s Church, Barming. Rooted in values of local stewardship, ethical grantmaking, and cultural enrichment, the Trust adopts a precise, flexible approach to foster enduring impacts in education, heritage, and community cohesion.

It funds educational initiatives and bursaries, heritage preservation projects (e.g., archaeological digs, museum enhancements), institutional support for local bodies like the Kent Archaeological Society, and community amenities benefiting children, young people, parish residents, and the public. Priority goes to tangible projects in arts, culture, environment, and development with strong Kentish ties, emphasizing lasting cultural and educational gains over general operations.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, and academic institutions based in or directly benefiting Barming, Teston, Maidstone, or historic Kent (with Oxford exceptions for Wadham College); small to medium-sized local entities are preferred, with no strict income limits but rare support for large nationals. Applications are unsolicited via email to clerk@weoct.co.uk, including project details and funding needs; rolling basis with periodic trustee meetings and no fixed deadlines. Typical grants range £1,000–£20,000 for projects or capital works, excluding routine core costs unless project-linked. Distinctive for its hyper-local mid-Kent focus, family heritage ethos, and avoidance of unrelated causes, it stands out in purposeful, tradition-bound support.