[WiLT] ABCT - small grants eg refugees, women and core costs - 15th September 2010

[WiL Admin]

ABCT - small grants eg refugees, women and core costs - 15th September 2010


About ABCT

The A B Charitable Trust (ABCT) was set up in 1990 by Yves Bonavero with Anne
Bonavero. Its purpose was to support unpopular causes that championed human
dignity, to be low-profile and to focus on small and medium-sized charities
working close to the ground. There are eight Trustees who meet quarterly.

The Trust has no endowment. It is funded annually by the Bonavero family and
Woodsford Consulting Ltd. Two key figures in the early years were David Boehm
who was a Trustee for 15 years, and Tim Denham, who retired at the end of 2007,
when Sara Harrity took over as Director.

The Trustees articulated the Trust's values and reviewed the grant-giving
strategy in 2008.

The A B Charitable Trust has given over £3 million since it was founded. You can
find details of its grants in the latest annual report.


Funding guidelines

All grant-giving is informed by ABCT's commitment to combat abuse and violations
of human rights, and support the disadvantaged by fostering community action.
Eligibility

Grants are awarded to charities registered in the UK; usually to those working
in the UK, though a few are awarded to charities working internationally.
Individuals are not eligible for support.

ABCT tends to support charities with annual income between £150k and £1.5m which
do not have substantial investments or surpluses.


Type and size of grant

ABCT has a small-grants programme (up to £5,000) which responds to appeals on a
one-off basis.

ABCT seeks to identify charities working on our priorities for larger grants,
which could be awarded on a regular basis subject to annual reports and an
agreed exit strategy.

ABCT is happy to provide funding for core costs.


Priorities

ABCT supports charities working where human dignity is imperilled and where
there are opportunities for human dignity to be affirmed.

Applications are particularly welcomed from charities working to support:
* refugees and victims of torture
* prisoners
* older people
* people with mental health problems

In relation to the above, the following cross-cutting themes are of interest to
the Trustees:
* women
* homelessness
* therapeutic art

Please note that ABCT receives many more requests for help than it can meet from
its resources and has to make difficult decisions even when its criteria are
met.

Applying for a grant http://www.abcharitabletrust.org.uk/application.htm