Metcalfe Smith Trust Funding - LEEDS, WEST YORKSHIRE ONLY

The Metcalfe Smith Trust make grants where the money will make a significant difference to the quality of life or independence of adults or children with a physical disability, long term illness or a mental health difficulty.

The Metcalfe Smith Trust in Leeds was established in 1867 by a Victorian banker and benefactor, John Metcalfe Smith, who built Cookridge Convalescent Hospital in memory of people living and working in the borough (as it was then) of the city.

Following the establishment of the NHS the Trust sold the land connected with the hospital and used the money to run it’s own convalescence home in Harrogate for some years. When this was closed and sold in the late 1960′s the Charity Commission approved a new scheme for the Trust. Since 1971 the Trust has been using the interest on the invested sale proceeds to make grants for the relief of hardship connected with sickness, ill-health or disability.

Today the Metcalfe Smith Trust make grants where the money will make a significant difference to the quality of life or independence of adults or children with a physical disability, long term illness or a mental health difficulty living in Leeds. It provides grants for the purchase of equipment, or pay for course fees leading to greater independence or employment, or provide a respite break which enable any of the above.

The trust is able to make grants to both eligible individuals and organisations up to a maximum of £2,500. Please take a look at http://www.metcalfesmithtrust.org.uk for further information and application details. The trust meets twice a year, in May & November to make decisions and award grants. The next deadline is October 28th 2012. Though it also has an emergency grants programme which can make awards within a month up to a maximum of £100.