William Kendall's Charity (wax Chandlers Company)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £70,000 - £100,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3-4 months (quarterly meetings)
• Grant Range: £500 - £5,000 (typical £1,000 - £2,000)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily London and Essex

Contact Details

• Website: www.waxchandlers.org.uk
• Email: clerk@waxchandlers.org.uk
• Phone: 020 7606 3591
• Address: Wax Chandlers' Hall, 6 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7AD

Overview

William Kendall's Charity is administered by the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers, one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. Established through historical bequests, the charity focuses on supporting education and welfare causes, with particular emphasis on organizations in London and Essex. The charity operates as part of the Wax Chandlers' wider charitable giving program, which distributes grants through both the Company's general funds and specific trusts like William Kendall's Charity. The Wax Chandlers Company has a long tradition of supporting education, youth development, and social welfare initiatives, maintaining strong links with educational institutions and community organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Welfare Grants: £500 - £5,000 (supporting disadvantaged individuals and communities)
• Educational Support: £1,000 - £3,000 (schools, youth organizations, educational projects)
• Community Projects: £500 - £2,000 (local initiatives in London and Essex)

Priority Areas

• Education and schools, particularly those with historical connections to the Company
• Youth development and opportunities for young people
• Support for elderly and vulnerable individuals
• Community welfare projects
• Organizations supporting disadvantaged groups
• Projects in the City of London and Essex areas

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals (except in exceptional hardship cases through specific funds)
• National charities without local connection
• Political or campaigning organizations
• Retrospective funding
• General appeals from large national organizations
• Building projects (except in exceptional circumstances)

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Governance and Leadership

The charity is governed by the Court of Assistants of the Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers. The Master and Wardens oversee the charitable activities, with the Charity Committee responsible for reviewing applications and making funding recommendations. The Clerk acts as the primary administrative contact for grant applications and manages the application process.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Initial contact should be made in writing to the Clerk at clerk@waxchandlers.org.uk. Applications should include:

• Brief description of the organization and its charitable objectives
• Specific project or need requiring funding
• Amount requested and budget breakdown
• Most recent accounts
• Details of other funding secured or applied for

The charity does not have a formal application form but considers written applications submitted by letter or email.

Decision Timeline

Applications are considered at quarterly meetings of the Charity Committee. Decisions typically take 3-4 months from submission, depending on meeting schedules. Applicants are notified in writing of the outcome.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed, but the charity makes numerous small to medium grants each year within its priority areas.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 12 months. Successful recipients should typically wait at least two years before reapplying, unless invited to submit for continued support.

Application Success Factors

Based on the charity's giving patterns and priorities:

• Clear demonstration of local connection to London or Essex strengthens applications
• Educational projects with measurable outcomes are particularly favored
• Small, locally-focused organizations often more successful than large nationals
• Projects benefiting young people or addressing educational disadvantage align well with priorities
• Clear, concise applications with realistic budgets tend to be more successful
• Organizations with connections to the City of London or Livery Companies may have advantage

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus on local impact in London and Essex areas
• Emphasize educational benefits and youth development aspects
• Keep grant requests modest (£1,000 - £2,000 typical range)
• Highlight any connections to the City of London or Livery Companies
• Submit concise, well-structured written applications rather than lengthy proposals
• Allow 3-4 months for decision-making process
• Consider timing applications to align with quarterly meeting schedule

References

• Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers official website (www.waxchandlers.org.uk)
• Charity Commission register entry for William Kendall's Charity (Charity Number: 228361)
• Livery Companies Database - Charitable Activities
• Accessed: December 2025