William Barrow's Charity

William Barrow’s Charity is a historic grant-making trust established in 1707 from the bequest of William Barrow, a Kent landowner who directed his estate for the benefit of poor men and widows in the Parochial Parish of Borden, Swale, Kent. Over three centuries later, its mission endures: relieving need, hardship, or distress among Borden residents—prioritizing those aged 60 and over—while advancing education for young people under 25 via grants, scholarships, bursaries, and support for local schools like Borden Grammar School and Borden Church of England Primary School. Sustained by a permanent endowment of land, property, and investments, the charity embodies local stewardship, legacy-driven philanthropy, and flexible responses to gaps in statutory services, governed by trustees with deep Swale-area roots in farming, education, and property.

It funds hardship and disability relief for elderly parishioners, educational aid for individuals (including tertiary entry) and institutions (non-statutory resources, facilities, goods), and discretionary contributions for broad community benefit—all exclusively for Borden residents. Grant types include one-off and renewal awards, with occasional capital support where needs arise.

Eligible applicants are Borden parish residents (individuals) or local academic institutions; unsolicited applications are welcomed via email forms on the website, requiring proof of residency and need/education evidence. Educational grants open 1 June–31 August (decided October); hardship/disability reviewed rolling year-round. Typical awards: £200–£500 per individual, varying for institutions.

Distinctive for its hyper-local exclusivity—no funding outside Borden, national bodies, or non-residents—it avoids religious restrictions and large organizations, channeling resources precisely to elderly hardship, youth education, and parish wellbeing through a place-based, enduring model unmatched in its parish fidelity.