Robert Kitchin Charitable Trust (saddlers' Company)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £50,000 - £100,000 (approximate)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Quarterly trustee meetings
• Grant Range: £500 - £5,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: UK-wide, with preference for City of London connections

Contact Details

• Website: www.saddlersco.co.uk
• Email: clerk@saddlersco.co.uk
• Phone: 020 7726 8661
• Address: Saddlers' Hall, 40 Gutter Lane, London EC2V 6BR

Overview

The Robert Kitchin Charitable Trust is managed by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. Established through a bequest from Robert Kitchin, the trust forms part of the Saddlers' Company's charitable activities, which date back to medieval times. The Company manages several charitable trusts with combined assets of several million pounds, distributing grants annually to support education, welfare, and the preservation of traditional crafts. The Saddlers' Company maintains strong connections to the equestrian world, leather trades, and City of London institutions, reflecting its 650-year heritage as a craft guild turned modern charitable organization.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Robert Kitchin Trust operates as part of the Saddlers' Company's wider charitable giving:

• Education Grants: £1,000 - £5,000 for educational projects, particularly those supporting disadvantaged young people
• Welfare Support: £500 - £3,000 for organizations supporting elderly and vulnerable individuals
• Craft and Heritage: £1,000 - £5,000 for projects preserving traditional crafts and skills
• General Charitable Purposes: £500 - £2,500 for registered charities aligned with Company values

Priority Areas

• Education and training, particularly vocational skills
• Support for elderly and vulnerable individuals
• Preservation of traditional crafts and heritage skills
• Projects with City of London connections
• Equestrian-related charitable activities
• Youth development programs

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals (except through specific bursary schemes)
• Political campaigns or lobbying activities
• Retrospective funding
• General appeals or circulars
• Overseas projects without UK charitable status

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Governance and Leadership

The trust is governed by the Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, with charitable decisions made by the Charity Committee. The Master changes annually, maintaining the Company's traditions while overseeing modern charitable operations. The Clerk serves as the primary administrative contact for grant applications and manages the day-to-day operations of the charitable trusts.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public online application process. Applications are accepted via written correspondence to the Clerk at Saddlers' Hall. Initial contact should be made via email or letter outlining the project and funding request. The Clerk may then request additional documentation including:

• Detailed project proposal
• Budget breakdown
• Most recent annual accounts
• Charity registration details
• Evidence of need and impact

Decision Timeline

The Charity Committee meets quarterly (typically March, June, September, and December). Applications should be submitted at least 6 weeks before committee meetings. Decisions are communicated within 2 weeks of the meeting.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 12 months, particularly if they can demonstrate how their proposal has been strengthened or circumstances have changed.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Saddlers' Company's charitable giving patterns:

• Demonstrate City of London connections: Projects benefiting City residents, workers, or institutions receive favorable consideration
• Show craft or skills development: Align with the Company's heritage in traditional crafts and vocational training
• Include measurable outcomes: The Company favors projects with clear, achievable goals and evaluation methods
• Highlight sustainability: Demonstrate how the project will continue beyond the initial grant period
• Personal connection: Applications supported by Liverymen or with existing relationships to the Company are often more successful
• Modest, specific requests: Focused requests for specific items or project phases tend to fare better than general appeals

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Robert Kitchin Trust operates within the traditional structures of a City Livery Company - understanding and respecting these traditions can strengthen applications
• Building relationships with Liverymen or attending Company events can significantly improve funding prospects
• Applications should emphasize any connections to the City of London, traditional crafts, or equestrian activities
• The quarterly decision cycle means timing is crucial - plan submissions well in advance
• Modest, well-defined requests are more likely to succeed than large, general appeals
• Follow up initial enquiries with the Clerk before submitting full applications
• Consider how your project aligns with the Company's dual identity as both a historic craft guild and modern charitable institution

References

• The Worshipful Company of Saddlers Official Website (www.saddlersco.co.uk) -
• Charity Commission Register Entry 211169 -
• City of London Livery Companies Database -
• The Saddlers' Company Charity Annual Reports (via Charity Commission) -