King's Educational Foundation (joseph King Trust)

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 810177
• Annual Giving: £78,250 (2024)
• Grant Range: £500 - £1,000
• Decision Time: Approximately 1 month
• Geographic Focus: Parish of Chipping Ongar (including Greensted, Marden Ash, and Shelley), Essex
• Number of Students Supported: 30+ students annually

Contact Details

Website: https://josephkingtrust.org.uk

Email: info@josephkingtrust.org.uk

Registered Address: 36 Coopers Hill, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9EF

Charity Commission: Registered as King's Educational Foundation (Charity Number 810177), also operates under the names Joseph King Trust and Joseph King's Charity

Overview

King's Educational Foundation, operating as the Joseph King Trust, is an educational charity established in 1678 through the legacy of local benefactor Joseph King. Registered in 1963 (Charity Number 810177), the trust has a rich history spanning over 340 years. With an annual income of £81,606 and expenditure of £78,250 (year ending December 2024), the trust provides non-means-tested grants to young people under 25 living in the Chipping Ongar area of Essex. The charity's unique funding model derives from rental income generated by properties on Ongar High Street—originally five cottages left in trust by Joseph King, now converted to shops and flats. The trust supports over 30 students annually, providing financial assistance for higher education, apprenticeships, and special educational projects. Governed by 5 trustees and supported by 1 volunteer, the foundation maintains Joseph King's original mission: helping ordinary people access education and improve their lives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Higher Education Grants: £1,000

• For undergraduate or Masters degree programs
• Currently supporting 30+ students per academic year
• Paid in two installments (Autumn and Spring terms)
• No restrictions on how grants are used
• Can cover books, resources, equipment, rent, food, travel, or any other costs
• Available for study at recognised universities in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland

Apprenticeship Grants: £500

• For students enrolled on recognised apprenticeships through approved providers
• Supports 170+ different industries
• Can help with equipment, specialist clothing, or materials
• Designed to cover expenses specific to the apprenticeship program

Educational Establishment Project Grants: Variable

• Available for schools and educational establishments within the area
• For specific educational projects
• Amounts determined on a case-by-case basis

Priority Areas

• Higher education (undergraduate and postgraduate degrees)
• Vocational training and apprenticeships
• Further education activities outside mainstream education
• Special educational events or projects
• Educational establishment infrastructure and project funding

Eligibility Requirements

Age: Must be under 25 years old

Geographic: Must live in one of the following areas:

• Chipping Ongar
• Greensted (including Greensted Green)
• Marden Ash
• Shelley

Note: These areas were historically separate parishes but merged in 1965 to form the civil parish of Ongar in the Epping Forest District of Essex.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the trust's geographic restriction means that applicants living outside the parish of Chipping Ongar are not eligible. The focus is strictly on educational purposes, suggesting non-educational activities would fall outside the scope.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (5 total):

• Mrs Margaret Herring
• Mrs Anne Sydenham
• Mrs Margaret Evans
• Mr Peter Mockett
• Mr F H Hart
• Mr Peter Richardson
• Diane Stratton
• Jeremy Lewis
• Mrs Vivienne Joan Chant
• Rev Noelle Taylor

Note: The Charity Commission lists 8 trustees historically, though the 2024 data indicates 5 active trustees.

Key Characteristics:

• No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity
• No employees have total benefits over £60,000
• The charity has no trading subsidiaries
• Entirely volunteer-led operation with 1 registered volunteer
• Trustees include “educational Trustees” who conduct applicant interviews

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Initial Contact

Email info@josephkingtrust.org.uk requesting information and an application form. Include your email address for correspondence.

Step 2: Complete Application Form

Fill out the application form sent by the trust.

Step 3: Interview

Meet with two of the trust's educational Trustees who will discuss your application and learn more about your educational plans.

Step 4: Decision

Receive notification of eligibility for a grant.

Application Method: Rolling basis—no fixed deadlines. Contact the trust when you need support.

Decision Timeline

The entire process typically takes approximately one month from initial contact to final decision.

Payment Schedule: For higher education grants, payments are made in two installments during the Autumn and Spring terms.

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not published, the trust currently supports 30+ students annually for higher education alone, suggesting a reasonable acceptance rate for eligible applicants who meet the geographic and age requirements.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Given the trust's focus on supporting students throughout their educational journey, it's likely that students can receive support across multiple years of study, though this should be confirmed with the trust directly.

Application Success Factors

Key Factors for Success

1. Geographic Eligibility is Essential

You must genuinely live within the parish of Chipping Ongar (including Greensted, Marden Ash, or Shelley). This is a fundamental requirement that cannot be waived.

2. Age Requirement

Applications must be under 25 years old at the time of application.

3. Educational Purpose

The trust supports “further education or other educational activities outside the scope of normal mainstream education.” This suggests they're looking to supplement other funding sources, not replace them.

4. Interview Performance

Since all applicants are interviewed by two educational Trustees, being able to articulate your educational goals, demonstrate commitment, and explain how the grant will support your development is crucial.

5. No Means Testing

Unlike many educational charities, this is a non-means-tested grant. This means financial need is not the primary criterion—the focus is on supporting local young people's educational aspirations regardless of family income.

6. Flexibility in Grant Use

The trust explicitly states they "don't specify what the grants should be used for nor do they ask students to explain how they will use the grant." This suggests they trust recipients to use funds appropriately for educational purposes.

7. For Educational Establishments

Schools and colleges in the area should present specific, well-defined projects that will benefit students. The trust considers these applications separately from individual student grants.

What Makes Applications Stand Out

Given the trust's long history and community focus, applications that demonstrate:

• Clear educational goals and commitment
• Connection to the local Ongar community
• Understanding of Joseph King's legacy of helping “ordinary people access education”
• Genuine need for supplementary funding beyond statutory support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only residents of Chipping Ongar, Greensted, Marden Ash, or Shelley are eligible. Verify the applicant's address falls within these boundaries.

• Non-means tested approach is unique: Unlike most educational grants, financial hardship is not required. Focus applications on educational merit and local connection rather than financial need.

• Interview is mandatory: Prepare applicants to articulate their educational goals clearly and confidently to two trustees. This personal connection is central to the decision-making process.

• Fast turnaround: One-month decision timeline is significantly faster than most grant-makers. Plan accordingly for time-sensitive educational costs.

• Flexible grant use: The £1,000 higher education grant can be used for any purpose—from books to rent. Don't feel constrained to justify specific expenditures.

• Long-term relationship potential: Supporting 30+ students annually suggests ongoing relationships. Students pursuing multi-year degrees may receive continued support (confirm with trust).

• Educational establishments welcome: Schools and colleges in the area can also apply for project funding, not just individual students. Present specific, well-defined projects with clear educational outcomes.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Gwendoline Anderson Charitable Trust
• The Spalding Memorial Educational Trust
• The Letchworth Civic Trust
• The William Price Charitable Trust
• Lady Elizabeth Hastings' Estate Charity
• The Ewelme Exhibition Foundation
• The Great Stone Bridge Trust of Edenbridge
• Sebright's Educational Foundation
• William Palmer College Educational Trust
• The Foundation of Saint Matthias

References

• UK Charity Commission Register: King's Educational Foundation (Charity Number 810177).. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=810177&subid=0

• Joseph King Trust Official Website.. https://josephkingtrust.org.uk

• OpenCharities: King's Educational Foundation Profile.. http://opencharities.org/charities/810177

• Wikipedia: Shelley, Essex - Historical parish information.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelley,_Essex

• UK Charity Commission: Full charity details and financial information for charity 810177.. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/810177/full-print