The Saddlers' Company Charitable Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £532,851 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Varies by program
• Geographic Focus: Primarily London and UK-wide
• Established: 1971 (charity registration)

Contact Details

Address: Saddlers' Hall, 40 Gutter Lane, London, EC2V 6BR

Phone: 020 7726 8661

Email: clerk@saddlersco.co.uk

Charities Administrator: tc@saddlersco.co.uk

Website: www.saddlersco.co.uk / thesaddlers.org

Overview

The Saddlers' Company Charitable Fund, registered in 1971 (Charity Number 261962), is one of the charitable arms of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, one of London's historic Livery Companies. With total expenditure of £532,851 in the year ending March 2023, the fund provides general charitable financial support with emphasis on education, smaller charities assisting disabled people and disadvantaged youth, Armed and Uniformed Services' charities, the equestrian world, the Church, the British saddlery and leathercraft trade, and the City of London. The Company administers three charitable trusts and a charitable fund: Robert Kitchin's Charity, the Saddlers' Company Charitable Fund, Kaye's and Labourne's Charity, all supervised by a Charities Committee. The organization has a long history of charitable giving, including a 130+ year partnership with City, University of London and a 50+ year scholarship program with Alleyn's School.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Charitable Fund: Provides general charitable grants across all priority areas. Application by initial inquiry to Charities Administrator.

Bounty Day Grants: Annual Christmas grants distributed during December Court, with each member of the Court of Assistants nominating a charity to receive funding.

Mollie Priestley Fund: A designated fund (established 2004 with £200,000 legacy) directing income towards helping members of the armed services who need assistance for health, education, or income, particularly as a result of war service.

Trade Support Grants: Includes small grants for professional advice to saddlery manufacturers and fitters (historically offered during COVID-19, eligibility may have evolved).

Education Scholarships: Direct funding to educational institutions including:

• £20,000 per year to Capel Manor College for student training
• Annual scholarships at Alleyn's School (Saddlers' Scholars program)
• Bursaries and student support at City, University of London

Priority Areas

The Company has identified specific “sweet spot” partnerships where charitable goals align:

Education Priorities:

• City, University of London
• Alleyn's School
• City of London Academy Islington
• Capel Manor College

Trade Priorities:

• Society of Master Saddlers (receives £10,000 annual grant)
• British Equestrian Trade Association
• Saddlery Training Centre

Equestrian Partnerships:

• British Equestrian Federation (receives training grants for equestrian disciplines)
• British Horse Society (including Changing Lives Through Horses programme)
• World Horse Welfare
• Riding for the Disabled Association (supported since charity's inception)
• British Racing School (Flexible Learning Programme support)

Youth and Disability Focus:

• Riding for the Disabled
• British Racing School
• British Horse Society Changing Lives Through Horses programme
• XLP: Futures for Young People (3-year support including X Mobile recording studio and mentoring)

Armed Forces Support:

• Army, Sea and Air Cadets (regular grants)
• Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment
• King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery
• HMS Duncan (affiliated)
• 41 Squadron Royal Air Force (affiliated)

Relief Charities (Kaye's & Labourne's Charity):

Priority beneficiaries include Freemen of the Company, their widows and dependants; those employed in the trade of saddler or harness maker, their widows and dependants who are in need, hardship or distress.

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but the fund focuses specifically on the priority areas listed above. Organizations outside these priority areas are less likely to be invited to submit full applications.

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Governance and Leadership

The Saddlers' Company operates under a Charities Committee that supervises all charitable trusts and the charitable fund. No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

The Company has expanded their Charity 'Visits' programme to a 'Liaison' role, with each principal partner having a Court or Livery and Free Member assigned to provide feedback to the Charities Committee.

Leadership Philosophy: There is an explicit expectation that members should put more into the Company than they take out, as they are trustees of the legacy of their predecessors. The Company's activities are based on charitable foundations that support and encourage the development of saddlery, equestrianism and education, particularly where they coincide with disability and youth.

The Company maintains long-term commitments to existing charities and institutions, demonstrating a preference for sustained partnerships over one-off grants.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1 - Initial Inquiry: The Saddlers' Company no longer accepts direct online applications for grants. Instead, interested charities and individuals should send an introductory email to the Charities Administrator at tc@saddlersco.co.uk.

Step 2 - Assessment: The Charities Administrator will respond to discuss the merit of the application and determine whether activities align with the Trustees' priorities.

Step 3 - Invitation: If activities are considered to align with Trustees' priorities, applicants may be invited to make a full application.

This two-stage process ensures that only organizations aligned with funding priorities proceed to full application stage.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified. The Company operates an annual Bounty Day in December for certain grants.

Success Rates

Success rates and application numbers are not publicly available. The pre-screening process through the Charities Administrator means that only aligned organizations are invited to submit full applications, which likely increases success rates for those invited to apply.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated. Organizations are encouraged to contact the Charities Administrator to discuss reapplication possibilities.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Strategic Priorities: The Company has clearly identified priority partnerships. Organizations that fall into the “sweet spot” where the Company's charitable goals align—particularly combining equestrian/saddlery connections with disadvantaged youth or disability support—are most likely to succeed.

Long-term Partnership Potential: The Company demonstrates a strong preference for sustained, multi-year relationships rather than one-off grants. Examples include:

• 130+ years supporting City, University of London
• 50+ years of scholarships at Alleyn's School
• 3+ years supporting XLP's Creating Positive Futures programme
• Support for Riding for the Disabled since the charity's inception

Connection to Company Heritage: Organizations linked to saddlery, equestrianism, the armed forces (particularly mounted units), or the City of London have strong alignment with the Company's historic mission.

Focus on Youth and Disability: The Company explicitly seeks to support programs benefiting disadvantaged youth and disabled people, particularly when combined with equestrian activities or education.

Trade Development: Support for the British saddlery and leathercraft trade, including training and professional development, aligns strongly with Company objectives.

Examples of Funded Projects:

• XLP's X Mobile recording studio in a van for youth mentoring
• British Racing School's Flexible Learning Programme for 14-16 year olds
• Capel Manor College Diploma in Saddle, Harness and Bridle Making (£20,000/year)
• British Equestrian Federation training grants for coaches and instructors
• Saddlers Student Centre at City, University of London (student advising)

Pre-Application Contact: The requirement to contact the Charities Administrator before applying suggests that building a relationship and demonstrating clear alignment through initial conversation is critical.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Pre-qualify through initial contact: Do not submit unsolicited applications. Email tc@saddlersco.co.uk first to discuss alignment with priorities.

• Emphasize intersection of priorities: Organizations that combine multiple priority areas (e.g., equestrian + disability, or saddlery trade + youth education) have strongest alignment with the “sweet spot” the Company seeks.

• Think long-term partnership: Position your organization for multi-year support rather than one-off grants. The Company values sustained relationships with proven partners.

• Connect to Company heritage: Where possible, demonstrate links to saddlery, the equestrian world, armed forces (especially mounted units), or the City of London.

• Focus on practical outcomes: Funded projects show tangible benefits—training programs, student support, professional development, youth mentoring.

• Recognize the liaison model: The Company assigns members to maintain relationships with principal partners, suggesting they value ongoing communication and reporting.

• Be specific about youth/disability impact: If your work benefits disadvantaged youth or disabled people, make this explicit and central to your application, particularly if combined with equestrian activities.

References

• UK Charity Commission Register, Charity No. 261962: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=261962

• The Saddlers' Company official website, Charity page: https://thesaddlers.org/charity

• The Saddlers' Company, "Saddlers Bursaries at Alleyn's School for 50 years,": https://thesaddlers.org/charity/saddlers-bursaries-at-alleyns-school-for-50-years

• The Saddlers' Company, “Saddlers Visit XLP,”: https://thesaddlers.org/charity/saddlers-visit-xlp

• City, University of London, “Recognising the Saddlers contribution over the years – from our founding to today,”: https://thisis.city.ac.uk/the-saddlers-contribution-from-founding-to-today/

• The Saddlers' Company, “Military Affiliations,”: https://thesaddlers.org/company/affiliations

• The Saddlers' Company, “The Society of Master Saddlers,”: https://thesaddlers.org/companies/the-society-of-master-saddlers

• The Saddlers' Company, “Equestrian page,”: https://thesaddlers.org/equestrian

• The Saddlers' Company, “The Company Vision,”: https://thesaddlers.org/company/vision

• Alleyn's School, "Saddlers' Scholars: Welcoming our 2023 Cohort,": https://www.alleyns.org.uk/news/2023-09-11/saddlers-scholars-welcoming-our-2023-cohort

• UK Charity Commission financial data for year ending 31 March 2023