Lady Hewley's Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £250,000 (approximate grants distribution)
• Total Income: £463,086 (2023-24)
• Total Expenditure: £580,965 (2023-24)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Applicants notified shortly after June or November trustee meetings
• Grant Range: £500 - Amount varies by category
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales (preference for northern counties, particularly Yorkshire)

Contact Details

Clerk to the Trustees

Neil Blake

Military House

Chester CH1 2DS

Phone: 01244 400315

Email: clerk@theladyhewleytrust.org.uk

Website: https://theladyhewleytrust.org.uk

Overview

Lady Hewley's Charity (Charity Number 230043) was established in 1704-5 when Sarah, Lady Hewley conveyed a landed estate to trustees with the income dedicated to supporting "poor and godly preachers for the time being of Christ's holy gospel." For over 300 years, the trust has provided financial support to ministers, students, and projects linked to the Baptist Church, United Reformed Church, and Congregational Federation. The charity also manages Lady Hewley Almshouses in York, providing affordable residential accommodation. With an annual grants budget of approximately £250,000, the trust has maintained its original mission while adapting to contemporary needs of the denominations it serves, with a stated preference for supporting work in the northern counties of England.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Student Welcome Grants: £500

One-time “onboarding” grant at the start of ministerial training studies. Not means-tested and available to all students enrolled on accredited courses for Baptist Union, Congregational Federation, or United Reformed Churches. Applications accepted on rolling basis with decisions at bi-annual trustee meetings.

Student Hardship Grants: Amount varies

For ministerial students whose household income falls significantly below denominational stipends. Can be applied for annually or as needed for unexpected hardship. Means-tested support available throughout training period.

Individual Hardship Grants: Amount varies

For ministers, retired ministers, surviving spouses, or church members experiencing poverty-level hardship. Limited to Baptist Union, Congregational Federation, United Reformed, and former Presbyterian Church of England affiliations.

Project Support Grants: Amount varies

For projects with clear congregational links and objectives that further the gospel of Christ within the community. Priority given to applications with co-funding, 1-3 year timelines, or plans for self-sustainability.

Priority Areas

• Ministers, retired ministers, and their surviving spouses from Baptist Union, Congregational Federation, or United Reformed Churches in England and Wales
• Students training for ministry in the specified denominations at accredited colleges
• Former ministers of the Presbyterian Church of England or their dependents
• Projects furthering religious and charitable work of the specified denominations, particularly in areas of social and economic deprivation
• Education and advancement of men and women for Baptist, Congregational, and United Reformed Church ministries
• Gospel proclamation and promotion of preaching
• Geographic preference: Northern counties of England, particularly York and Yorkshire

What They Don't Fund

• Applications from denominational sources outside Baptist Union, Congregational Federation, United Reformed Church, or former Presbyterian Church of England
• Individuals or projects without a clear link to a congregation of the specified denominations
• Applications from outside England and Wales

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by 7 trustees who meet twice annually to consider applications. The trustees receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits for their service. One or more trustees also serve as directors of subsidiary organizations. The day-to-day administration is handled by the Clerk to the Trustees, currently Neil Blake, based in Chester.

The charity also engages 5 volunteers in its operations, particularly in connection with the Lady Hewley Almshouses in York, which form part of the charity's trust obligations alongside its grant-making activities.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Four separate application forms are available depending on the type of support sought:

1. Student Welcome Grant application
2. Student Hardship Grant application
3. Individual Hardship Grant application
4. Project Support Grant application

Forms can be downloaded from the website (theladyhewleytrust.org.uk) or requested as hard copies from the Clerk to the Trustees. Completed applications should be submitted by post or email to Neil Blake at the Chester office.

Decision Timeline

• Trustee meetings: Early June and early November each year
• Application deadline: No specific deadlines mentioned; applications considered at the next scheduled meeting
• Notification: Applicants notified “shortly after the meeting subsequent to your application date”
• Typical timeline: Depending on submission date, decisions can range from a few weeks to several months

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The charity distributes approximately £250,000 annually in grants across all categories, but the number of applications received is not published.

Reapplication Policy

The policy on reapplications is not explicitly stated on the website. Student hardship grants can be applied for annually or as needed for unexpected hardship, suggesting that repeat applications are acceptable for continuing needs.

Application Success Factors

For Student Applicants:

• Enrollment on an accredited ministerial training course for Baptist Union, Congregational Federation, or United Reformed Churches is essential
• Welcome grants are not means-tested, making them accessible to all qualifying students
• For hardship grants, demonstrating that household income falls significantly below denominational stipends is key

For Individual Applicants:

• Clear demonstration of hardship at poverty-level income/resources
• Active or historical connection to ministry within the specified denominations
• Geographic location in northern counties may strengthen applications given the trust's stated preference

For Project Applicants:

• “Clear link to a congregation” is emphasized as essential
• Objectives must demonstrably further “the gospel of Christ within the community”
• Co-funding arrangements significantly strengthen applications
• Projects with 1-3 year timelines or plans for self-sustainability receive priority
• Applications should show how the project will serve communities, particularly in areas of social and economic deprivation

Key Terminology:

The trust uses language emphasizing “godly preachers,” “furthering the gospel,” and "Christ's holy Gospel," reflecting its historical mission. Applications should demonstrate alignment with evangelical Christian mission and the specific theological traditions of the supported denominations.

Important Restriction:

The website explicitly states: “Applications from other denominational sources will not be considered.” This strict limitation to Baptist Union, Congregational Federation, United Reformed Church, and former Presbyterian Church of England is non-negotiable.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Denominational eligibility is absolute - Do not apply unless directly affiliated with Baptist Union, Congregational Federation, United Reformed Church, or (for legacy cases) Presbyterian Church of England
• Northern preference matters - While the trust accepts applications from across England and Wales, historical deeds specify preference for York, Yorkshire, and other northern counties
• Congregational connection is crucial for projects - Project applications must demonstrate clear links to a specific congregation within the eligible denominations
• Student welcome grants are straightforward - The £500 onboarding grant is not means-tested, making it accessible to all qualifying ministerial students
• Co-funding strengthens project applications - The trust prioritizes projects with multiple funding sources and sustainability plans
• Two opportunities per year - With meetings only in June and November, timing your application strategically can reduce waiting time for decisions
• Over 300 years of history - Understanding the trust's historical mission to support “poor and godly preachers” can inform application language and alignment

References

1. The Lady Hewley Trust official website - https://theladyhewleytrust.org.uk
2. The Lady Hewley Trust - Applying for Support - https://theladyhewleytrust.org.uk/applying-for-support/
3. Charity Commission Register - Lady Hewley's Charity (230043) - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=230043
4. York Civic Trust - “Longstanding patron of York honoured with YCT blue plaque” - https://yorkcivictrust.co.uk/longstanding-patron-of-york-honoured-with-yct-blue-plaque/
5. Charity Commission financial data for year ending 5 April 2024 (Income: £463,086; Expenditure: £580,965)