Kupath Gemach Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £965,381 (FY 2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed (grants to individuals and institutions)
• Geographic Focus: London (particularly Hackney/N16 area) and worldwide, primarily serving Orthodox Jewish communities

Contact Details

• Address: 171 Kyverdale Road, London, N16 6PS
• Phone: 020 8442 9604
• Charity Number: 1110323
• Registered: 5 July 2005

Overview

Kupath Gemach Trust, formerly known as Kupath Gemach Chaim Bechesed Viznitz Trust, is a traditional Jewish gemach (charitable fund) established in 2005 and registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. With an annual expenditure of approximately £965,381 (FY 2024), the charity operates as a grant-making trust serving the Orthodox Jewish community, particularly those connected to the Viznitz Hasidic community in London. The charity's income derives entirely from donations and legacies, and it is governed by three volunteer trustees who receive no remuneration. The trust makes grants to individuals and institutions falling within its charitable objects, which include relieving poverty, advancing Orthodox Jewish faith and education, and supporting the poor, sick, and frail worldwide, particularly among members of the Jewish faith.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The charity operates as a traditional gemach, making grants through trustee discretion rather than formal application programs. Grants are provided to:

• Individuals in need within the Orthodox Jewish community
• Jewish institutions and organizations
• Educational institutions supporting Orthodox Jewish religious education

Priority Areas

• Relief of Poverty: Supporting individuals and families experiencing financial hardship
• Religious Education: Advancement of Orthodox Jewish religious education
• Faith Advancement: Supporting the Orthodox Jewish faith
• Health and Welfare: Relief of the poor, sick, feeble and frail
• Community Support: Activities within the Viznitz Orthodox Jewish community in London

The charity gives grants across culture and arts, humanitarian and disaster relief, animal welfare, religious activities, education/training, and prevention or relief of poverty.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, as a community-focused gemach serving the Orthodox Jewish community (particularly the Viznitz community), grants are typically limited to individuals and institutions connected to or serving this specific religious community.

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

• Mr. Israel Kahan
• Mr. Saul Weiss
• Mr. Alexander Pifko

All three trustees serve on a voluntary basis and receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The charity maintains comprehensive governance policies including financial reserves policy, internal financial controls, risk management procedures, serious incident reporting protocols, and trustee conflicts of interest policies.

How to Apply to Kupath Gemach Trust

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Kupath Gemach Trust operates as a traditional gemach within the Viznitz Orthodox Jewish community. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on community knowledge and relationships rather than through open applications or formal application procedures.

As is typical with gemach organizations in Orthodox Jewish communities, beneficiaries are generally identified through:

• Community connections and knowledge
• Direct referrals from community leaders and members
• Pre-existing relationships with the Viznitz community
• Trustee awareness of needs within the community

Organizations and individuals outside the Orthodox Jewish community or without existing connections to the Viznitz community are unlikely to be considered for funding.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Decisions are made by trustees on a discretionary basis.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

Since this charity operates through trustee discretion rather than a formal application process, the key factors for receiving support appear to be:

• Community Connection: Being part of or serving the Orthodox Jewish community, particularly the Viznitz community in London
• Alignment with Objects: Need falling within the charity's stated objects (relief of poverty, Orthodox Jewish education, religious advancement, support for the sick and frail)
• Community Knowledge: Being known to the trustees or community leaders who can identify needs
• Genuine Need: Demonstrated need for support, whether for individuals experiencing hardship or institutions serving the community

The traditional gemach model emphasizes “gemilut chasadim” (acts of lovingkindness), focusing on supporting community members with dignity and discretion.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is NOT a funder with an open application process - grants are made through trustee discretion within the Orthodox Jewish community
• The charity operates as a traditional gemach, serving primarily the Viznitz Hasidic community in London
• With nearly £1 million in annual charitable expenditure, this is a substantial community fund
• Focus is on individuals and institutions within the Orthodox Jewish community experiencing need or advancing Orthodox Jewish religious education
• All trustees serve voluntarily, and 100% of income comes from donations and legacies
• Organizations without existing connections to the Viznitz or broader Orthodox Jewish community should not expect to be considered
• The charity maintains up-to-date reporting and comprehensive governance policies

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• British Friends Of Chatzer Hakodesh Viznitz
• Cmz Ltd
• The Viznitz (keren Nitzchi) Foundation
• Tehilois Yoel
• Mosdos Bobov
• Gemach Ltd
• Friends Of Wmsbg-kolel Damesek Eliezer
• Keren Ohr
• Britefield Trust
• Chevras Mo'oz Ladol

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities, “Kupath Gemach Trust - Charity 1110323,” https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4016575 (accessed 21 November 2025)
• OpenCharities, “Kupath Gemach Chaim Bechesed Viznitz Trust,” http://opencharities.org/charities/1110323 (accessed 21 November 2025)
• Wikipedia, “Gemach,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemach (accessed 21 November 2025) - for context on gemach organizations
• Fundraiso, “Kupath Gemach Trust,” https://www.fundraiso.ch/en/organisations/kupath-gemach-chaim-bechesed-viznitz-trust (accessed 21 November 2025)