Kirby Laing Foundation

The Kirby Laing Foundation was established in 1972 by Sir Kirby Laing, with the intention that both income and capital should be applied, at the Trustees’ discretion, for general charitable purposes, focusing on five main funding streams.

1. Promotion of the Evangelical Christian Faith:

Overall Aim: To contribute towards the growth of a sustainable Christian Church, confident in communicating the evangelical Christian faith in ways relevant to the 21st century.

• Projects supporting theological education and training, primarily in the UK, focusing on practical application and Christian ethics
• Innovative projects focused on nurturing Christian faith in teens to 30’s age group
• Support for English Cathedrals seeking to enhance sustainability, access and / or Christian outreach

2. Health & Social Care – Advancing Education & Welfare in Ageing:

Overall Aim: To contribute towards the improvement of elderly and end of life care in the UK, in the context of a society faced with an ageing population and increasing health and social care costs, through research, training and the dissemination of models of good practice

• Translational research to advance understanding of the process of ageing and improve the treatment of age-related conditions.
• Development of innovative and sustainable models of care to improve the quality of life of older people in their later years and at the end of life
• Programmes supporting the education and training of health professionals in ageing and age-related conditions

3. Developing Talent in the Performing Arts (Music & Theatre):

Overall Aim: To provide opportunities for talented young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to fulfil their potential and explore opportunities for employment in the creative industries

• Programmes with a national or regional focus, reaching children and young people from diverse backgrounds, aimed at identifying and nurturing talent in music or drama, with clearly identified pathways for progression and / or routes into the profession
• Programmes supporting young professionals to develop their talent, including those exploring backstage roles
• Capital projects, the primary purpose of which is to enhance the delivery of programmes aimed at developing young talent

4. Overseas Development Projects:

Overall Aim: To improve the quality of life and employment opportunities for women and girls and / or people with disabilities, primarily in Nepal and Bangladesh

• Sustainable & replicable projects to improve educational and employment opportunities for women and girls in Nepal and Bangladesh, developed in collaboration with local communities
• Sustainable & replicable projects to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities, primarily in Nepal and Bangladesh, developed in collaboration with local communities

5. Science & Engineering Innovation:

In order to maximise the use of funds and impact in this area, the Trustees will shortly be launching a new Science & Engineering Innovation Fund, details of which will appear on the website in due course. In the meantime, we are not open to applications in this area.

Across all areas of giving, grants are rarely made towards core costs, the delivery of ongoing projects or to individuals.

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.