The Fishmongers' Company's Fisheries Charitable Trust

Charity Number: 284888

Annual Expenditure: £1.6M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £1,600,000 (approximate)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 14 working days for initial assessment; notification within 1 month
  • Grant Range: £4,000 - £739,000
  • Geographic Focus: United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland)

Contact Details

Website: www.fishmongers.org.uk

Email: fish.fisheries@fishmongers.org.uk

Phone: 020 7626 3531

Address: Fishmongers' Hall, London Bridge, London, EC4R 9EL

Pre-application Contact: Required - contact via online form selecting “Fisheries Enquiries” before submitting application

Overview

Founded in 1982, The Fishmongers' Company's Fisheries Charitable Trust (charity number 284888) is registered in England, Wales, and Scotland. With an annual expenditure of approximately £1.6 million, the Trust's mission is to “build and safeguard a prosperous and sustainable fishing industry, for the benefit of those engaged in it, the environment and our island nation.” The Trust supports the sustainable advancement of the UK's seafood industry, freshwater and marine fish, and their habitats through projects, grants, early-career sponsorship, research, and convening activities. The Trust works alongside universities, government bodies, and third-sector organisations to promote sustainable fishing, healthy rivers and oceans, and thriving coastal communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

One-off Grants: £4,000 - £739,000 (application via contact form after pre-application discussion)

  • Grants are provided on a rolling basis for smaller programmes aligned with the Trust's vision
  • Initial assessment within 14 working days
  • Pre-application contact required before formal application

International Fisheries Exchange Programme: Variable amounts

  • Launched in 2022, has supported over 15 exchanges
  • Funds international learning exchanges to share knowledge on species management, technology, and gear innovation

Priority Areas

Freshwater Fish, Fisheries, and Catchment Management

  • River health and restoration projects
  • Atlantic salmon population protection
  • Trees-to-riverbanks restoration initiatives

Marine Fish, Fisheries, and Environmental Management

  • Native oyster conservation
  • Sustainable fishing practices
  • Marine habitat conservation
  • Fisheries management improvements

Sustainable and Innovative Aquaculture Development

  • CO2 emissions reduction in fishing vessels
  • Innovation in fishing technology and gear
  • Ship-building innovations for reduced environmental impact

Fish Trade Support

  • Billingsgate Market quality, hygiene, and inspection work
  • Master Fishmonger Standard support
  • Fishing associations establishment toolkits

Fisher Welfare and Safety

  • Health initiatives for fishing communities
  • Safety improvements for fishing vessels
  • Community support for fishing families

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals (except through early-career sponsorship programmes)
  • Multi-annual grants
  • Organizations with potentially reputation-damaging political associations
  • Capital expenditure (except for community-based projects)
  • Organizations that have received a grant within the previous three years
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Governance and Leadership

Director of Fisheries: Andrew Wallace

  • Joined the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers in 1996
  • Elected to the governing body in 2013
  • Served as chair of the Company's charitable trusts
  • Sits on several boards relating to UK fisheries management

Trustee: Amelia Fitzalan Howard (appointed 2024)

Parent Organization Leadership:

  • Clerk: Toby Williamson
  • Deputy Clerk and Chief Operating Officer: Joanna Allinson
  • Staff team of 30+

Key Quote from Andrew Wallace: "The words fish, environment, nutrition, rivers, oceans, sustainable, & healthy are amongst those that pepper our sector leadership, conference themes, and charity activity."

The Trust operates with no remuneration for trustees, ensuring all funds support charitable objectives.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Pre-application Contact (Required): Contact the Fisheries Team via the online contact form, selecting “Fisheries Enquiries” under enquiry type, to discuss your idea before making a formal application
  1. Initial Assessment: A member of the Company's Fisheries Team will undertake an initial assessment within 14 working days
  1. Application Form: If eligible, an application form will be sent to you
  1. Application Acknowledgment: All applications are acknowledged by email upon receipt
  1. Decision Notification: Applicants are contacted within one month of submission
  1. Payment Method: Successful applicants receive a letter and payment is arranged by cheque or BACS transfer (BACS preferred)

Decision Timeline

  • Initial Assessment: Within 14 working days
  • Decision Notification: Within 1 month
  • Overall Timeline: Approximately 6 weeks from pre-application to decision

Note: Due to high application volumes, delays may occur at all stages

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The Trust acknowledges receiving a high number of applications.

Reapplication Policy

  • Unsuccessful Applicants: Must wait one year before reapplying
  • Successful Applicants: Cannot reapply for a period of three years from the date of approval of the last grant
  • One Application Rule: Only one application will be considered from each organization in any one year

Application Success Factors

Key Requirements

Clear and Concise Applications: The Trust explicitly advises keeping applications “clear and concise, adding short, informative documentation only if this would add value to the application”

No Changes Post-Submission: Applicants should not seek to change project details, proposal, or amount requested after initial submission, as this will not usually be allowed because applications are judged and prioritised against others

Public Benefit Focus: All projects must comply with the Trust's charitable objectives and demonstrate public benefit

Recent Funded Projects

  • Seafit Fishermen's Health Initiative: £739,000 over two years (partnership between Seafarers Hospital Society and Fishermen's Mission)
  • International Exchange to Norway: Supported skipper to learn about ship-building innovations reducing CO2 emissions
  • Anguilla Caribbean UK Overseas Territories: Funded multiple exchanges to improve fisheries management
  • Falkland Islands Human Rights: Funded Human Rights at Sea to advocate for better safeguarding on fishing vessels
  • PhD Studentship in Tristan Da Cunha: Co-funded research position
  • Native Oyster Conservation (NORA): Support for collaboration and knowledge sharing on Ostrea edulis
  • Atlantic Salmon Riverwoods Project: Short films providing practical river restoration solutions
  • LED Lights Research: Ground-breaking research into LED light effectiveness for attracting scallops in fishing pots
  • Fishing Associations Toolkit: Essential guidance for fishers establishing fishing associations

Alignment Factors

  • Sustainability Focus: Projects must demonstrate commitment to sustainable fishing practices and environmental stewardship
  • UK Focus: All projects must benefit the UK's seafood industry, fisheries, or aquatic environments
  • Innovation: The Trust values innovative approaches to fisheries management, technology, and conservation
  • Collaboration: Projects involving partnerships with industry, government, academia, or NGOs are well-received
  • Knowledge Sharing: Projects that facilitate learning, exchange, and dissemination of best practices align with the Trust's convening role

Application Tips

  1. Pre-application engagement is mandatory: Use the contact form to discuss your project before applying
  2. Be specific about outcomes: Demonstrate clear public benefit and alignment with Trust objectives
  3. Show sustainability: Evidence how your project supports long-term sustainable fishing or healthy aquatic environments
  4. Acknowledge support: Commit to acknowledging the Company's support in all project materials
  5. Plan reporting: Be prepared to provide progress and end-of-project reports

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Pre-application contact is required: You cannot apply without first discussing your project with the Fisheries Team via their contact form - this is a mandatory first step
  • UK-focused only: The Trust exclusively supports projects benefiting UK's seafood industry, fisheries, or aquatic environments, though international exchanges for UK benefit are considered
  • Wide grant range: From £4,000 to £739,000 demonstrates flexibility; don't self-reject based on project size if it aligns with priorities
  • Fast decision timeline: 14 working days for initial assessment and notification within one month makes this a relatively quick funder
  • Three-year gap for reapplication: Successful applicants cannot reapply for three years, so ensure your first application is comprehensive
  • No changes allowed post-submission: Finalize all project details before submitting as modifications are not permitted
  • Strong focus on sustainability and innovation: Projects demonstrating environmental stewardship, innovative approaches, or knowledge-sharing are particularly well-aligned

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