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:

• Theological education and training, primarily in the UK – practical application & Christian ethics
• Nurturing Christian faith in teens to 30s age group
• English Cathedrals – sustainability, access and Christian outreach

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

• 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 lives of older people in their later years and at end of life
• Programmes supporting the education & training of health professionals in ageing and age-related conditions.

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

• Encouraging participation at grassroots level in order to identify talent as part of a progression pathway
• Programmes supporting young professionals, including those exploring backstage roles

4. Overseas Development Projects:

• Projects to improve the lives of girls/young women and those with disabilities, with a geographical focus on Nepal and Bangladesh

5. Science & Engineering Innovation:

The Trustees are currently considering adopting a new approach to maximise the use of funds and impact, further details of which will appear on the website in due course. In the meantime, we will not be accepting unsolicited applications in this area.

Grants may be made towards capital projects, programme development costs or capacity building for future sustainability; 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.