The Weavers' Company Charitable Grants

The Weavers' Company Benevolent Fund was established in 1973 to support people in trouble, particularly ex-offenders and young people involved in the Criminal Justice System. The fund gives preference to pump-priming new projects, especially those that are innovative and can serve as a model elsewhere. The Company's charitable grants committee meets three times a year to assess applications and award grants. The fund prioritizes three main areas: supporting offenders and ex-offenders into sustainable work by building skills and capability; helping specific underserved groups within the criminal justice sector that are less popular with other funders; and supporting young people (aged 16-25) involved with the Criminal Justice System to ensure they can realize their full potential and participate fully in society. Projects that meet the funding criteria are shortlisted and visited by a member of the Company for assessment. These visits allow younger Company members to become closely involved in the charitable work and may lead to mutually beneficial relationships with beneficiaries. The fund supports a variety of work addressing social and economic problems faced by vulnerable members of society.