The Coachmakers And Coach Harness Makers Charitable Trust 1977

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Approximately £50,000+ in bursaries and awards
• Success Rate: Data not publicly available
• Decision Time: Approximately 4-6 weeks from application deadline
• Grant Range: £2,500 - £10,000 (individual bursaries and scholarships)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily UK, with emphasis on City of London and specific universities

Contact Details

Address: 25 Chattenden Lane, Chattenden, Rochester ME3 8LE

Phone: 07505 089841

Email: clerk@coachmakers.co.uk

Website: www.coachmakers.co.uk

For Aerospace Awards: Contact Aerospace Awards Committee Chairman, Steward Neil Sheath MRAeS

For Donations: donations@coachmakers.co.uk

Overview

The Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers Charitable Trust 1977 (registered charity 286521) is the charitable arm of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, a historic City of London Livery Company. The Trust focuses primarily on supporting young people through education and training in STEM fields, particularly in the automotive, aerospace, and traditional coach-making sectors. The organization supports students “from all backgrounds and cultures who have the hunger and drive to succeed,” emphasizing inclusivity in their grant-making.

The Trust operates through targeted partnerships with universities and educational institutions, including the Royal College of Art, Coventry University, Cranfield University, Imperial College London, City University, Kingston University, Brunel University, Queen Mary University, University of Southampton, and University of Bristol. Additionally, the Trust supports members of the UK Armed Forces through its affiliated units (HMS BULWARK, Royal Dragoon Guards, RAF Brize Norton, and Commando Helicopter Force) and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust demonstrated flexibility by distributing five times its normal annual giving to support students and mental health organizations facing hardship.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Aerospace Awards (Applications typically open May 1st, close June-September depending on specific award):

• The Coachmakers' Airbus University Scholarship Awards: Up to £5,000 for master's level students in aeronautical engineering with focus on space-based applications (Deadline: September 30)
• Sir Geoffrey De Havilland Flying Scholarships: Up to £10,000 to support obtaining a Private Pilot's Licence flying DH 82a Tiger Moths (Application opens May 1st, closes June 30th, selection day in August)
• The Lockheed Martin Engineering and University Scholarship Awards: Support for aerospace engineering students
• The Coachmaker Aerotron Scholarship: Engineering scholarships for Part 66 licenses

Automotive Awards (Various deadlines):

• Motor Car Centenary Bursary Award: For outstanding second-year vehicle design students at Royal College of Art and Coventry University (amount not publicly specified)
• Sir William Lyons Automotive Design Award: For Coventry University students
• Advanced Automotive Engineering Research Bursary: For second-year BEng students at Brunel University's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• The Coachmakers Future Technologies Bursary: Up to £7,000 for Cranfield University MSc students in Automotive Engineering, Automotive Mechatronics, or Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Engineering
• Automotive and Motorsport Future Technologies Award: Cranfield University
• Bentley Heritage Award: For outstanding apprentices

Heritage and Coachmaking Awards:

• Support for apprentices at Heritage Skills Academy, Brooklands Museum, and Marches Centre of Manufacturing and Technology in historic vehicle restoration
• Annual prizes for harness making students at Capel Manor College, Enfield
• Excellence awards for carriage driving and coachmaking at British Driving Society's annual show

Armed Forces Awards:

• Annual awards for personnel from affiliated military units (HMS BULWARK, Royal Dragoon Guards, RAF Brize Norton, Commando Helicopter Force)

Industry Recognition:

• Award to Industry: Annual recognition for outstanding contributions to aerospace or automotive industries in design, technical development, innovation, or commercial significance

Priority Areas

The Trust actively funds:

• Technical education in automotive and aerospace engineering
• STEM education and skills development for young people under 35
• Master's level degrees in aeronautical engineering (particularly space-focused)
• Automotive design and engineering programs
• Traditional craft skills in coach-making and harness-making
• Historic vehicle restoration and maintenance
• Flying training and pilot development
• Support for UK Armed Forces personnel and veterans
• Charitable institutions aligned with their sectors
• Educational partnerships through Livery Schools Link, Saturday Engineering Club, and Imperial College Makerspace Programme
• The Lord Mayor's Appeal and specific emergency response (e.g., COVID-19 hardship funding, mental health organizations)

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the Trust's focus suggests they likely do not fund:

• Projects outside the automotive, aerospace, coachmaking, or armed forces sectors
• Individuals over 35 years of age (for most student awards)
• General education not related to technical or engineering disciplines
• International students not studying at their partner UK universities
• Retrospective funding for completed courses
• Long-term commitments beyond annual allocations (as they note “funds cannot always be guaranteed”)

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by trustees who work closely with the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers. The organization operates through specialized committees:

• Aerospace Awards Committee: Oversees aerospace scholarships and bursaries, chaired by Steward Neil Sheath MRAeS
• Motor Car Centenary Bursary Award Sub-Committee: Judges automotive design awards
• Judging Panel for Automotive Awards: Includes distinguished Liverymen such as Ian Callum CBE (renowned automotive designer), Michael Quinn, and Jonathan Connolly

The Trust benefits from increasing support from Company members who make regular recurring donations. The organization maintains strong relationships with industry leaders and educational institutions, demonstrated by partnerships with major companies like Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Bentley, and Aerotron.

Recent leadership messaging highlighted the Trust's commitment to supporting deserving students, with seven aerospace scholarships and bursaries awarded in that period alone.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the Coachmakers website (www.coachmakers.co.uk) for specific award programs. The application process is program-specific with different deadlines and requirements for each award type.

General Application Requirements:

• Complete the online application form
• Explain the purpose and case for the award
• Specify the amount requested (where applicable)
• Provide the name of an academic referee for independent verification
• Be under 35 years of age on August 31st in the year the award is made
• Demonstrate enrollment at or acceptance to a qualifying university or training program

Selection Process:

• Applications are reviewed by specialized committees for each award type
• Shortlisted candidates are notified shortly after the closing date
• Selection interviews are held in person, typically in the London area
• Interviews occur approximately one month after the application deadline
• Candidates must attend interviews in person (at their own expense)

Award Presentation:

• Winners are typically announced at special events (e.g., Aerospace Industry Dinner in November)
• Recipients may be expected to attend award ceremonies (black-tie events)
• Travel and accommodation for award events are the winner's responsibility

Decision Timeline

The timeline varies by award but typically follows this pattern:

• Applications close: June-September (depending on specific award)
• Shortlist notification: 2-4 weeks after closing
• Interviews: 4-6 weeks after closing (mid-October for aerospace awards)
• Final decision: 6-8 weeks after closing
• Award presentation: November (for aerospace awards)

Specific Known Deadlines:

• De Havilland Flying Scholarship: Applications open May 1st, close June 30th, selection day August 23rd
• Airbus University Scholarship Awards: Close September 30th, interviews mid-to-late October

The Trust emphasizes that “the standard of applications is always high” and welcomes applications from previously unsuccessful candidates who may wish to apply again.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the organization notes that application standards are consistently high and competition is strong. The Trust awarded seven aerospace scholarships and bursaries in November 2024 alone, suggesting multiple awards are made each year across different categories.

Reapplication Policy

The Trust explicitly welcomes reapplications from previously unsuccessful candidates. There are no stated restrictions or mandatory waiting periods between applications. This open reapplication policy suggests the Trust values persistence and continued interest in their sectors.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's documented priorities and selection processes, successful applicants should:

Demonstrate Sector Commitment:

• Show genuine passion for automotive, aerospace, or coachmaking industries
• Articulate clear career goals within these sectors
• Highlight relevant experience, projects, or achievements

Academic Excellence and Potential:

• The Trust seeks “outstanding” designers and engineers
• Strong academic performance at qualifying institutions
• Evidence of innovation, creativity, or technical excellence
• The Motor Car Centenary Bursary specifically aims to “enable an outstanding designer with the opportunity to advance their career in automotive design”

Align with STEM Education Mission:

• Emphasize how the award will support STEM skill development
• Show how funding will advance technical knowledge or capabilities
• Connect studies to industry needs and future technologies

Focus on Space-Based Applications (for aerospace awards):

• For Airbus scholarships, demonstrate bias towards space-based applications in aeronautical engineering
• Show understanding of contemporary aerospace challenges and innovations

Heritage and Craft Skills (for coachmaking awards):

• Demonstrate commitment to preserving traditional skills
• Show aptitude for restoration and maintenance of historic vehicles
• Understand the cultural and historical significance of coach-making

Industry Connections:

• Given the judging panel includes industry leaders like Ian Callum CBE, applications should reflect awareness of current industry trends
• Reference contemporary design challenges and innovations in automotive or aerospace sectors

Practical Application:

• Clearly explain how the funds will be used
• Provide specific budget justification where required
• Show realistic planning for utilizing the award

Professional Presentation:

• Prepare thoroughly for in-person London interviews
• Be ready to discuss portfolio work and design philosophy (for design awards)
• Demonstrate aptitude, determination, and drive (particularly emphasized for flying scholarships)

Persistence:

• Don't be discouraged by initial rejection
• The Trust explicitly encourages reapplication from unsuccessful candidates
• Strengthen your application based on feedback or additional experience

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Sector-Specific Focus: This Trust exclusively supports automotive, aerospace, coachmaking, and armed forces-related causes. Applications must clearly align with these industries to be considered.

• Education-First Mission: Nearly all funding goes to educational bursaries and scholarships for individuals under 35. Organizational grants appear limited to specific institutional partnerships already established.

• Online Applications with In-Person Interviews: Be prepared for a two-stage process requiring both online submission and travel to London for interviews. Budget for travel costs as these are not covered.

• Strong Industry Connections: The judging panels include prominent industry figures like Ian Callum CBE. Applications should demonstrate understanding of current industry challenges and innovations.

• Reapplication is Encouraged: Don't be deterred by initial rejection. The Trust explicitly welcomes reapplications and values persistence, suggesting that strengthening your case over multiple attempts is viewed positively.

• Flexible During Crises: The Trust demonstrated significant flexibility during COVID-19, distributing five times its normal annual giving. They may be responsive to exceptional circumstances affecting students.

• Partnership Model: The Trust works through established partnerships with specific universities. Individual applicants should verify their institution is a qualifying partner before applying.

• Annual Allocations Only: The Trust explicitly states they cannot commit to multi-year funding as “funds cannot always be guaranteed,” so apply year by year rather than expecting long-term commitments.

References

• Charity Commission - The Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers Charitable Trust 1977
• The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers - Charity Page
• The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers - Awards, Bursaries and Scholarships
• The Coachmakers' Airbus University Scholarship Awards
• Sir Geoffrey De Havilland Flying Scholarship
• Flight Training News - De Havilland 2025 Flying Scholarship
• The Coachmakers Future Technologies Bursary - Cranfield University
• Master's Message November 2024
• Insights into the Coachmakers' Automotive Design and Engineering Awards 2025
• The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers - Armed Forces Covenant
• NGO Explorer - The Coachmakers Charitable Trust
• Accessed: December 27, 2025