The David Isaacs Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £153,299 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Under £400 typically (over £400 requires Grants Committee approval)
• Geographic Focus: Inner London (Greater London and City of London)

Contact Details

Address: Westminster Magistrates Court, 179/181 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5BR

Email: the.david.isaacs.fund@gmail.com

Phone: 01322 555442 / 07570 994490

Contact Person: Peter J. Goodday (Secretary)

Charity Number: 205896

Overview

The David Isaacs Fund was established on 22 September 1962 and operates under a scheme of the Charity Commissioners dated 19 November 2002. The charity had an annual expenditure of £153,299 in the financial year ending 30 September 2024, with 28 trustees overseeing operations. The Fund provides immediate, practical relief to individuals experiencing poverty, hardship, or distress who come to the attention of District Judges or Coroners presiding in Greater London or City of London Magistrates Courts and Coroners Courts. This unique positioning allows the Fund to assist vulnerable people at critical moments when they encounter the justice system, providing essential items that support basic needs and pathways to employment. Recipients are assisted regardless of whether they have been convicted of any crime and irrespective of their race, religion, denomination, or creed.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The David Isaacs Fund provides grants to individuals (not organizations) for essential items and services:

• Standard Grants (under £400): Approved at district level by District Judges or Coroners
• Larger Grants (over £400): Require approval from the Grants Committee

Application Method: Rolling basis through intermediary professionals only (no public application process for individuals)

Priority Areas

The Fund specifically provides grants for:

• Furniture and domestic items: Usually obtained from charity sources
• Clothing: From value-for-money stores such as Primark, Matalan, and George at Asda
• Tools: For employment purposes
• Training courses: Which could lead to employment

All support aims to help individuals establish or re-establish themselves in the community and work towards financial independence.

What They Don't Fund

The Fund's narrow focus means they do not provide grants to:

• Organizations or charities (grants are for individuals only)
• Individuals outside the Inner London area
• Individuals who have not come to the attention of a District Judge or Coroner
• General living costs or ongoing financial support (focus is on one-time items that create lasting change)

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Governance and Leadership

Structure: The charity has 28 trustees who serve without remuneration or benefits. The charity has no employees with total benefits over £60,000 and no trading subsidiaries.

Contact: Peter J. Goodday serves as Secretary to the Fund and is the primary contact person.

Geographic Coverage: The Fund assists District Judges presiding in Magistrates Courts in Inner London, including Westminster, Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Greenwich, Lewisham, Southwark, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, and the City, as well as Coroners presiding in Inner London Coroner's districts and City Coroners.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

There is no direct public application process for individuals. The David Isaacs Fund operates through an intermediary system designed to identify and assist vulnerable individuals who come before London courts.

Applications must be made via:

• Probation officers
• Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) advisors
• Social workers

These professionals contact the Secretary to request an application form on behalf of their clients. It is helpful if an estimate of individual costs is provided on the application form before it is submitted to a District Judge or Coroner for approval.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Given the urgent nature of the needs addressed (individuals in crisis who have come to the attention of courts), it is likely that decisions are made relatively quickly, though formal processing times are not available.

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Given the nature of the Fund's work (providing one-time assistance with essential items), multiple applications by the same individual may be possible for different needs at different times, subject to the discretion of referring professionals and approving judges.

Application Success Factors

Since applications are made through intermediaries and approved by District Judges or Coroners, success factors differ from traditional grant applications:

• Clear need: Applications should demonstrate genuine financial hardship and inability to obtain necessary items through other means
• Specific costs: Providing itemized estimates of costs increases likelihood of approval
• Employment focus: Items or training that lead to employment opportunities appear to be prioritized
• Value for money: The Fund's emphasis on obtaining items from charity sources and value stores suggests they appreciate cost-conscious requests
• Appropriate amount: Requests under £400 can be approved more quickly; larger requests require Grants Committee review
• Professional referral: Having a probation officer, CAB advisor, or social worker advocate for the application is essential
• Connection to court system: Individuals must have come to the attention of a District Judge or Coroner in Inner London

The Fund's mission to assist “notwithstanding that they may have been convicted of any misdemeanour or crime” indicates that criminal history is not a barrier to support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Not a traditional grant-maker: This Fund provides grants to individuals in crisis, not to organizations, and operates exclusively through the court system
• Intermediary system required: Direct applications are not accepted; individuals must be referred by probation officers, CAB advisors, or social workers
• Judge discretion: District Judges and Coroners approve applications, making the professional relationship between courts and social services critical
• Geographic specificity: Only serves Inner London courts and their jurisdictions
• Practical support focus: Grants prioritize tangible items (furniture, clothing, tools) and employment-related training rather than cash support
• Modest amounts: Most grants are under £400; larger requests face additional scrutiny from the Grants Committee
• Inclusive approach: The Fund explicitly serves individuals regardless of criminal history, race, religion, or creed

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities - The David Isaacs Fund (205896): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/205896
• InsideTime Directory - David Isaacs Fund: https://insidetime.org/david-isaacs-fund/
• Giving is Great - The David Isaacs Fund Charity Factsheet: https://givingisgreat.org/charity-factsheet/?regNo=205896
• Charity Commission financial data for financial year ending 30 September 2024