The Benlian Trust

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 277253
• Annual Income: Not publicly disclosed
• Annual Expenditure: Not publicly disclosed
• Founded: 1979
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Armenian students at English universities; Armenian organisations in London; also operates in France, Israel, and Turkey
• Grant Type: Scholarships for individuals and grants to organisations

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 7340, London W1A 3XE

Email: mail@benliantrust.org

Phone: 07909512148

Charity Commission: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=277253

Overview

The Benlian Trust was established in 1979 following the death of Edward Benlian in 1972, a prominent Armenian philanthropist who made his fortune in the London carpet trade. The Trust represents the legacy of a man who, having no children, dedicated his entire estate to supporting the Armenian community. Edward Benlian was a pillar of the Armenian community in London and co-founder of Hay Dun (Armenian House) in 1961, having come to London as a young boy with his family from Gesaria (modern-day Kayseri) before World War I. The Trust operates with trustees who receive no remuneration and focuses on educational support for Armenian students and cultural preservation for the London Armenian community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Student Scholarships

• Scholarships for Armenian students attending university in England
• Focus on students from low-income families who demonstrate strong academic performance and active participation in the Armenian community
• Criteria: academic excellence (“studying well”), financial need, and community engagement

2. Cultural Grants

• Grants to Armenian organisations for cultural activities benefiting the London Armenian community
• Supports Armenian schools (in London, France, and Istanbul), cultural events, and community initiatives

3. Charitable Donations

• Additional charitable donations in accordance with the benefactor's will
• Has historically supported causes beyond the Armenian community, including cancer research and medical institutions such as Middlesex Hospital

Priority Areas

• Education: University scholarships for students of Armenian descent attending institutions in England
• Arts/Culture/Heritage: Cultural activities and programs for the Armenian community in London
• Community Support: Organisations serving the Armenian diaspora in the UK

Geographic Coverage

While registered in England, the Trust operates internationally within the Armenian diaspora, including France, Israel, and Turkey.

What They Don't Fund

The Trust's founding documents specify a focus on “the education in England of sons and daughters of Armenian fathers” and cultural activities for the London Armenian community. The Trust is unlikely to fund:

• Students not of Armenian descent
• Study outside of England (for scholarship programme)
• Organisations or activities unrelated to Armenian cultural heritage or community
• General charitable causes outside the scope of the benefactor's will

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Governance and Leadership

Management Structure

The Trust is managed by Maral Ovanessoff on behalf of the trustees.

Historical Leadership Connection

The Ovanessoff family has deep ties to the Trust. Stepan Ovanessoff, who moved to London from Birmingham and met Edward Benlian at the Youth Club at Hay Dun, established a long-lasting connection with the benefactor. Both Stepan and his daughter Maral have dedicated themselves to continuing Edward Benlian's philanthropic legacy.

Trustees

The Trust's current trustees are:

• Mr Paul Gulbenkian
• Rita Alice Vartoukian
• Sandi Linda Simons
• Dr Audrey Selian
• Vergine Gulbenkian (appointed 2014)

None of the trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

How to Apply to The Benlian Trust

How to Apply

The Benlian Trust does not have a public application process. Scholarships and grants appear to be awarded at the discretion of the trustees, likely through identification within the Armenian community network and through relationships with Armenian community organisations.

The Trust operates through a model of community connection rather than open applications. Students and organisations are typically identified through:

• Armenian community networks in London
• Armenian schools and cultural organisations
• The Armenian House (Hay Dun) connection
• Referrals from community leaders and existing beneficiaries

Getting on Their Radar

Given the Trust's community-based approach, prospective applicants may benefit from:

For Students:

• Active participation in London's Armenian community, particularly through the Armenian House (Hay Dun) and related organisations
• Connection with the Centre for Armenian Information & Advice (CAIA), which has documented the Benlian family history
• Engagement with Armenian schools and cultural programs that have historical ties to the Trust

For Organisations:

• Established presence serving the London Armenian community
• Cultural or educational programmes aligned with Armenian heritage preservation
• Connection with Armenian Community Council of the United Kingdom member organisations

Note: The Trust manager, Maral Ovanessoff, oversees the Trust on behalf of the trustees. Organisations and students may wish to reach out directly via the contact details provided, acknowledging that the Trust operates on a discretionary rather than competitive application basis.

Decision Timeline

No public information is available regarding decision timelines. As a discretionary trust, decisions are made by trustees on their own schedule rather than through set application rounds.

Success Rates

Not applicable, as there is no open competitive application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as there is no formal application process.

Application Success Factors

Given the Trust's discretionary nature and community-based approach, success in receiving support appears to depend on:

For Students:

1. Armenian Heritage: Being of Armenian descent, particularly as “sons and daughters of Armenian fathers” (as specified in founding documents)
2. Financial Need: Coming from low-income families
3. Academic Performance: Demonstrating strong academic achievement (“studying well”)
4. Community Engagement: Active participation in Armenian community activities and organisations
5. Study Location: Attending or planning to attend university in England

For Organisations:

1. Community Focus: Serving the London Armenian community directly
2. Cultural Mission: Programmes that preserve and promote Armenian culture and heritage
3. Track Record: Established organisations with demonstrated impact
4. Community Standing: Recognition within the Armenian diaspora network
5. Educational Focus: Programmes that align with the Trust's educational mission

Strategic Considerations:

• The Trust represents a continuation of Edward Benlian's personal philanthropy and community leadership, suggesting that beneficiaries should demonstrate similar commitment to community service
• The multi-generational management by the Ovanessoff family indicates the importance of sustained relationships and trust within the community
• The Trust operates within a network of Armenian philanthropic organisations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Not a Traditional Grant Maker: The Benlian Trust operates through trustee discretion rather than competitive applications. Understanding this discretionary model is essential before attempting to connect with the Trust.

1. Community Connection is Key: Success depends more on integration into London's Armenian community network than on a polished application. Build genuine relationships with Armenian community organisations, particularly the Armenian House.

1. Know the Legacy: Understanding Edward Benlian's life story, his commitment to the Armenian community, and his vision for supporting future generations demonstrates respect for the Trust's mission and history.

1. Financial Need Matters: The Trust specifically targets students from low-income families, so demonstrating genuine financial need is important for scholarship seekers.

1. Cultural Engagement: Active participation in Armenian cultural activities, schools, and community events is a strong indicator of alignment with the Trust's values—more important than academic achievement alone.

1. Patience and Relationship Building: Without formal deadlines or application cycles, connecting with the Trust requires patience and a long-term approach to community relationship building.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Saint Sarkis Charity Trust
• Dickran And Seta Ouzounian Educational Trust
• The Jacqueline And Michael Gee Charitable Trust
• The Stella And Alexander Margulies Charitable Trust
• Armenian General Benevolent Union London Trust
• Alte Feiga Trust
• The Overstall Charitable Trust
• The Philip And Lorrain Weinstein Charitable Trust
• Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation - Armenian Communities Department
• The Roy And Pixie Baker Charitable Trust

References

1. UK Charity Commission Register - The Benlian Trust (Charity 277253)

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=277253

1. Centre for Armenian Information & Advice - Benlian Family

https://caia.org.uk/benlian-family/

1. Armenian House - Background and Benefactors

https://www.armenianhouse.co.uk/background

https://www.armenianhouse.co.uk/benefactors

1. NGO Explorer - The Benlian Trust

https://ngoexplorer.org/charity/277253

1. OpenCharities - The Benlian Trust

http://opencharities.org/charities/277253