Applications to the Englefield Charitable Trust for grant support are now open, with charities and good causes invited to get in touch by emailing charity@englefield.co.uk or via the Good Exchange website which lists organisations seeking support.

Bids should be in by February 1st to be considered in the next round of grants. Trustees meet in March to consider applications and make awards and there will be another chance to apply in the autumn in advance of the Trustee’s October meeting.  

The Trust annually supports a wide range of charitable and community endeavours including many local to the Englefield Estate in Berkshire, Benyon Estate in London and Glenmazeran in Scotland.

In spring 2025 around 51 beneficiaries included Whizz Kids, a charity dedicated to empowering disabled children and young children across the UK to live life to the full, helping them to take part in social events, sport and creative activities.

In October a further 72 charities and community projects were given financial support by the Englefield Charitable Trust including Scout groups, environmental projects and initiatives to help people suffering from dementia.

Improving mental health through participation in physical activities is well recognised and a West Berkshire-based charity, Sport in Mind, received a grant from the Trust to support its work in the area.

Kirsty Bowden, Senior Development Officer for the charity, explained that the free weekly sessions in Newbury offer opportunities for people struggling with their mental health to start to enjoy life again in a safe, supportive environment.

Activities in Newbury and West Berkshire include walking, allotment gardening, football and badminton and Kirsty paid tribute to the funding from the Trust which, she said, helped to give people “a reason to smile again.”

Environmental improvements in West Berkshire were also granted funding with the Kennet Valley Wetland Reserve, near Hungerford, among the recipients. The project aims to restore an important area of wetland, boosting wildlife and creating an education centre for visitors.

The Englefield Charitable Trust was founded in 1968 by Sir William Benyon who chaired the Trustees until his death in 2014. His daughter, Catherine Haig, succeeded her father as the chair and continues in that role.

She said: “Our family has retained a close interest in the Trust since its inception, and it is gratifying to be able to support such a wide range of good causes.” The work of the Trust aligns with the wider Estate’s focus on people, planet and place.

The fund was set up using receipts from the sale of several pieces of land and the money invested to provide an income over many years.

Photo credit: Whizz Kidz