THE FOUNDATION
Our approach
The Leathersellers’ Foundation is a grant funder that enables individuals and communities by working with charities, fosters opportunity through education, and supports the UK leather trade. We are committed to being an open and trusted funder and are signed up to the IVAR Flexible Funders initiative.
We award grants across our three core areas of charity, education and leather, with applications invited for different programmes throughout the year.
View our grants programmesWhat to expect from us
From the application process to end of grant reporting, this is what you can expect:
Transparency
At every touch point, we aim to provide clarity in our approach, from application criteria and reporting, to sharing impact and learning. We set out to build trust with all our grantees and partners. We publish information about our Small and Main Grants on 360 Giving and are committed to open and trusting grant-making via the Institute for Voluntary Action Research.
Efficiency
We want your grant application to be as straightforward as possible while holding ourselves to best practice standards. We aim to be responsive, timely and consider the resources of others.
Approachability
We listen and encourage dialogue. No two grantees and application are exactly the same – we strive to be understanding, patient and compassionate.
Accountability
Our funding decisions impact individuals and communities across the UK, and we acknowledge and respect this responsibility. For more information on accountability and who to contact for complaints or feedback, please go here.
Collaboration
We work with our grantees, other funders, and institutions to help reach our objectives as the Leathersellers’ Foundation.
Governance
There are two Trustees of the Leathersellers Foundation: the Leathersellers’ Company, acting through its Court of Assistants (The Board); and the Chief Executive & Clerk to the Company.
Trustees
Matthew Lawrence
Chief Executive and Clerk to the CompanyMark Williams
MasterAwarding grants
Grants are awarded by the trustees on the recommendation of its Charity, Education and Leather Trade Committees, which include a number of trustees. The trustees set a budget for charitable giving at the start of the financial year, following consideration of the Foundation’s investment assets over the last three years. A considerable proportion of funding is pre-committed as we recognise the importance and value of multi-year funding to both organisations and individuals. Grants programmes and performance are continually reviewed throughout the year.
Awarding grants
Grants are awarded by the trustees on the recommendation of its Charity, Education and Leather Trade Committees, which include a number of trustees. The trustees set a budget for charitable giving at the start of the financial year, following consideration of the Foundation’s investment assets over the last three years. Grants programmes and performance are continually reviewed throughout the year.
Adding value for our grantees and partners
Link & Learn
This annual event welcomes charity partners to Leathersellers’ Hall to cover issues that matter the most to them, with panel discussions and guest speakers as well as networking opportunities. Past topics have included fundraising, application writing, and diversifying income.
Read moreAlumni
The Leathersellers’ Alumni Network brings together individuals we support via student grants, Sixth Form scholarships, university programmes, and makers working with leather to create a community of people who have benefitted from a Leathersellers’ grant. As well as providing an online platform for sharing information and connections, we also run an annual networking event, helping to connect and grow our community for mutual benefit.
Read moreMentoring
As part of our commitment to the ongoing support and success of our grantees, we help pair recipients of our student grants programme with members of the Leathersellers’ Company and our alumni network.
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