Kirby Laing Foundation

Bringing aid and Christian hope to isolated communities. Photo courtesy of Mission Aviation Fellowship.

Purpose

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.

Areas of Giving

Over the last few years the Trustees have been looking to spend down the Foundation’s capital endowment but have recently decided to discontinue the spend down programme. Grant-making priorities are currently being reviewed and refined in the light of this decision, but at present remain focussed 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 30s 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.

Annual Report and Accounts

The Foundation's latest annual report and accounts provide examples of recent grants. (Please note that the link will open a new window on the Charity Commission of England & Wales website).

Trustees

Rev. Charles Edward Burch (Chair)
Frederick Terence Wyndham Weller Lewis
Simon Webley
Alison Claire Laing

Charity Number

264299

If you are thinking of applying for funding, please first read the How to Apply guidelines and Exclusions which are common to all the Laing Family Trusts.