Weaver's Company Benevolent Fund

The Weavers' Company Benevolent Fund was set up in 1973 with funds from The Worshipful Company of Weavers, which is the oldest City of London Livery Company and has a history dating back before 1130 AD.

The Fund’s principal aim is to support people in trouble, particularly young offenders and ex-offenders, as well as other disadvantaged young people. Preference is given to pump-priming new projects, especially those that are innovative and can serve as a model elsewhere.

Objectives of Fund

The funding is intended for registered charities working in the current priority areas:

• Supporting offenders and ex-offenders into work, specifically for those looking to build skills and capability to get into sustainable work.
• Helping specific groups within the criminal justice sector that are less popular with funders than others.

The secondary funding area is focused on projects that work with young people (up to age 25 years) from disadvantaged and socio-economically challenged groups, such as immigrants, to ensure they are given every possible chance to realise their full potential and to participate fully in society.

Value Notes

There are two levels of funding:

• Small grants of up to £5,000.
• Main Grants have no maximum amount.

Grants are normally awarded for one year only; however, in exceptional cases, applications for multi-year funding of up to three years, will be considered.

Match Funding Restrictions

Applicants must show that they have investigated other sources of funding and made plans for the future, which should include replacement funding if appropriate.

Who Can Apply

Applications will be accepted from UK-registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs). In exceptional circumstances Community Interest Companies (CICs) may be considered.

Preference will be given to smaller charities and those instigating bespoke projects.

Applications can be made at any time and are considered three times a year, in February, June and October. It may take up to four months for the application to be processed.

The closing dates for applications in 2026/27 are midday on:

• 12 March 2026 to be considered in June 2026.
• 2 July 2026 to be considered in October 2026.
• 12 November 2026 to be considered in February 2027.
• 11 March 2027 to be considered in June 2027.
• 1 July 2027 to be considered in October 2027.
• 1 November 2027 to be considered in February 2028.