grants
Sir William Leech, a successful builder and entrepreneur in the North East, was driven by his evangelical Christian beliefs to share his success generously.
His wish was to leave a lasting asset to help local people and subsequently set up the William Leech Charity in 1972. Following his death in 1990 further assets were added to the Charity by his widow Lady Ellen Leech, this fund and remaining assets are held by the Trustees.
The William Leech Charity now supports charitable organisations with loans of up to £50,000 who meet the criteria detailed below.
Please read the below information and ensure you have understood the below information before you proceed with your application.
grant sizes
We offer both large and small grants to eligible organisations. All Grants are discussed at meetings and awards will be granted accordingly.
grant restrictions
William Leech Charity grants cannot be used for the following purposes:
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General fundraising campaigns
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Debt repayment
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Activities promoting religious or political beliefs
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Projects or organisations based outside Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and County Durham
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Minibus purchase
further information
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Generally, the Trustees wish to encourage and support innovative and effective charitable activities across the North East. They look for opportunities where their support will make a big difference. They are prepared to make fast decisions and to give support where other funders may hesitate.
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The Trustees will particularly favour applications where they consider the grant to have an appreciable impact.
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Grants will only rarely be made to large national organisations unless they have a substantial North Eastern connection.
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The Trustees may occasionally consider supporting an organisation with regular grants over a fixed period which will not normally exceed three years. Apart from these, unless previously agreed, grants will not be made to organisations which have received funding within the previous 12 months.
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Repayable interest-free loans may be made to organisations faced with an unexpected crisis.
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The Trustees may very occasionally support an unusual application, usually relatively small, which does not strictly fall within these guidelines.
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Grant applications will normally be made by email through the Charity’s website, which sets out the process and requirements.
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The Trustees will require reports at appropriate intervals after a grant has been made, demonstrating how the grant has been applied and its effect on the achievement of the goals for which it was given. The Trustees may enquire into the use of the grant.
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Grants will not be made to individuals.
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Grants will not be made for gap years, or for personal travel which could be considered as holiday.
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The Trustees are supportive charities who prioritise their volunteers (e.g. training and benefits) however grants will not be usually used for wages alone.
Please read the below information and ensure you have understood the eligibility criteria before you proceed with your application.