Beatrice Laing Trust

The Beatrice Laing Trust was established in 1952 by Sir John Laing for:

• the advancement of the evangelical Christian faith, at home and abroad
• the relief of poverty

The Trustees’ priority areas of giving are:

1. To support new church building, extension or redevelopment projects, with a particular emphasis on churches using their physical resources to communicate Christian faith and respond to needs in their local community

2. To support organisations offering practical services to those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable, with a particular emphasis on Christian organisations seeking to express their faith through practical action to help:

• the homeless
• the elderly
• ex-offenders
• former Servicemen and women

3. To support organisations providing practical services to people with physical, mental and learning difficulties, predominately through:

• special schools seeking to make provision for those with increasingly complex needs
• support in the transition from childhood to adulthood and in accessing training and/or meaningful employment opportunities

The level of funding available varies. Grants typically range between £2,000 and £10,000, but the trustees have the capacity to make a number of larger grants each year.

The Trusts have a rolling application process, without application deadlines. Applications may therefore be submitted at any time throughout the year.

The Trusts Laing Family Trusts only make grants to charities registered in the UK or to churches with exempt status. The Trusts do not make grants to individuals.

There is no pro-forma application form but they ask applicants to download and complete an application cover sheet, which is available on completion of the eligibility quiz. The link to the quiz can be found by following this link to the Laing Family Trusts website.

The application cover sheet should be accompanied by a covering letter and concise project proposal, about 3 to 4 pages in length, which should include the following information:

• Description of the project / activity for which funding is sought; this should identify the need the project addresses and the difference it will make
• Anticipated start and end date of the project
• A detailed budget breakdown
• Fundraising plan, to include anticipated sources of funding, funds already secured and plans for securing the shortfall (including any loan arrangements, sale of assets etc)
• Arrangements for monitoring and evaluating the project

You also need to enclose with your application:

• A copy of the charity’s most recent annual report and audited / independently examined accounts.
• A stamped addressed envelope (no bigger than C5).

You may also like to provide a list of other supporting documents available on request e.g. business plan, architect’s drawings etc.