The Benlian Trust

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 277253
• Annual Income: £279,546 (FY ending 31 March 2025)
• Annual Expenditure: £146,487
• Founded: 1979
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Armenian students at English universities; Armenian organizations in London; also operates in France, Israel, and Turkey
• Grant Type: Scholarships for individuals and grants to organizations

Contact Details

Address: 15 Elm Crescent, London W5 3JW

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. Created through a will proved on 19th March 1974 and formalized through a Scheme of 29th April 1992, 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 Caesaria (modern-day Kayseri) before World War I. The Trust operates with four 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 organizations 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: Organizations 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 program)
• Organizations 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. Maral also manages two other Armenian educational trusts: the D&S Ouzounian Educational Trust and The M & A Essefian Trust, all of which award academic scholarships to Armenian university students.

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 currently has 4 trustees, none of whom receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. Specific trustee names are not publicly listed on the Charity Commission register.

Application Process and Timeline

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 organizations.

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

• Armenian community networks in London
• Armenian schools and cultural organizations
• 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 organizations
• 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 Organizations:

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

Note: The Trust manager, Maral Ovanessoff, oversees three educational trusts for Armenian students. Organizations 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 organizations
5. Study Location: Attending or planning to attend university in England

For Organizations:

1. Community Focus: Serving the London Armenian community directly
2. Cultural Mission: Programs that preserve and promote Armenian culture and heritage
3. Track Record: Established organizations with demonstrated impact
4. Community Standing: Recognition within the Armenian diaspora network
5. Educational Focus: Programs 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's operation alongside two other Armenian educational trusts suggests coordination within a network of Armenian philanthropic organizations

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 organizations, 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. Multiple Trusts, One Manager: Organizations and students should be aware that Maral Ovanessoff manages three Armenian educational trusts, suggesting potential for coordination or referral between trusts.

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
• The Dischma Charitable Trust
• The Jacqueline and Michael Gee Charitable Trust
• THE STELLA AND ALEXANDER MARGULIES CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Philip and Lorrain Weinstein Charitable Trust
• The Overstall Charitable Trust
• The Manackerman Charitable Trust
• J E POSNANSKY CHARITABLE TRUST
• Sydney and Phyllis Goldberg Memorial Charitable Trust
• The Marks Family 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