The Woodward Charitable Trust (WCT) has recently updated its guidelines, reinforcing its commitment to supporting disadvantaged families with young children up to 11 years old, and organisations working directly with children in this age group. If at least 75% of your work aligns with this vital focus, your organisation could be eligible for funding.
WCT offers grants of up to £10,000 per year for core costs for organisations with an annual income of up to £200,000. Funding can be provided for a maximum of three consecutive years, with a cap of three years in any five-year period. One-off grants are also still available.
The Trust particularly prioritises organisations working in one or more of these key areas:
- Parenting and caregiving support
- Educational programmes for children (in or out of school), focusing on attainment, attendance, or emotional wellbeing
- Programmes and activities that boost children’s overall wellbeing and development
- Pre-natal and post-natal support services
Following their May 2025 guideline updates, all applications must now be submitted through the WCT online application process. It’s crucial for all applicants to review the updated criteria on their website to confirm eligibility before applying.
WCT will also give preference to applications from organisations that:
- Demonstrate strong, positive outcomes for the people they support or an evidenced need for new work.
- Promote community engagement and cohesion.
- Focus on skills development.
- Offer volunteering opportunities or ways for beneficiaries to have a voice.
- Work collaboratively to share learning and best practice.
The next application deadline is 12pm on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
For full eligibility criteria, exclusions, their funding diary, application FAQs, and detailed instructions on how to apply, please visit The Woodward Charitable Trust website.
