Worshipful Company of Carmen Benevolent Trust

The Worshipful Company of Carmen Benevolent Trust, or 'Ben Trust', is the philanthropic arm of a historic City of London livery company rooted in the 16th-century transport and logistics sectors. Established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2015, it upholds livery traditions of benevolence by relieving hardship among present and former Carmen (carriers), their dependents, Company employees, and UK transport/logistics workers—including armed forces personnel—and promoting education in these fields. Its ethos blends heritage, pastoral care, and modern philanthropy, supporting welfare, training, and sector advancement through targeted, confidential grants.

The Trust prioritises hardship relief for transport professionals and families, educational initiatives like training programmes and specialist equipment (e.g., Tomcat tricycles for special needs pupils), and charities linked to the City of London or logistics. It funds individuals in need, UK educational institutions, and sector-related causes, often nominated by Liverymen, such as donations to the British Heart Foundation, fostering both immediate welfare and long-term industry excellence.

Eligible applicants are limited to UK-registered charities and academic institutions serving defined beneficiaries; there are no strict income thresholds, though smaller, project-specific needs are preferred, with a UK-wide geographic focus tied to transport/logistics communities. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—requests must come via Livery members or the Honorary Secretary by email for quarterly trustee meetings (January, April, July, October). Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000, covering hardship aid, equipment, or projects but excluding core funding, unrestricted support, or unrelated activities. Distinctively, its livery-connected, reactive model emphasises personal support within a niche professional network, differentiating it from broad public funders.